Agenda of Ordinary Council Meeting - Tuesday, 19 September 2023

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

19 September 2023

1 Opening of Meeting

The Mayor declared the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 15 August 2023 open and welcomed Councillors, Council Officers and members of the public attending and listening to the meeting.

The Mayor advised attendees that the meeting was being recorded and streamed live on the internet, to enhance the accessibility of Council meetings to the broader Parkes Shire community, and that the recording will be archived and made available on Council’s website.

The Mayor asked that attendees ensure that mobile phones and other electronic devices were turned off or in silent mode for the duration of the meeting.

The Mayor further advised that all care would be taken to maintain privacy, however, as a visitor in the public gallery, members of the public should be aware that their presence may be recorded.

2 Acknowledgement of Country

Cr Jayet read the following Acknowledgement of Country:

Parkes Shire Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Wiradjuri Country and recognises and respects their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing connection with the lands and rivers of the Parkes Shire.

Council pays its respects to Elders past, present and emerging and extends this respect to all First Nations peoples in the Parkes Shire.

3 Prayer

The General Manager read the Prayer:

Almighty God,

We ask for your blessing upon this Council,

Direct and prosper our deliberations,

For the true welfare of the people of the Parkes Shire and beyond.

AMEN

4 Apologies and Applications for a Leave of Absence

5 Applications to Attend by Audio-Visual Link

Nil

6 Confirmation of Minutes

6.1 Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 18 July 2023

Resolved OCM 176/23

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr Marg Applebee

That Ordinary Council Meeting receive and confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday 18 July 2023 appended at Annexure A.

Carried

7 Disclosures of Interests

The Mayor reminded Councillors and Council Officers of their obligation under Council's Code of Conduct to disclose and manage any conflicts of interest they may have in matters being considered at the meeting, and invited Councillors and Council Officers to disclose any such interests.

Ben Howard Director Operations disclosed a less than significant non-pecuniary interest in relation to item 12.4 2024 NSW Country Golf Championship Partnership and chose to leave meeting, not participate in debate and discussion on the matter, and not vote on the matter take. The reason provided was:“

On the Board of the organisation mentioned in the report.”

Kent Boyd General manager disclosed a pecuniary interest in relation to item 17.4 General Manager Performance Review for the period 01.07.2022 to 30.06.2023 and chose to leave meeting, not participate in debate and discussion on the matter, and not vote on the matter take. The reason provided was:

“Individual mentioned in the Report.”

8 Late Business

The Mayor advised that the following late items of business had been submitted by Council Officers, and invited a motion to enable the addition of the late items to the meeting agenda.

1. 9.6 Mayoral Minutes Succession Planning

2. Item 10.4 Minutes of the Community Liveability and Access Committee meeting held on 22 May 2023

9 Mayoral Minute(s)

9.1 Meetings, Functions and Events attended by Mayor and Councillors

Motion

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr Marg Applebee

That Council:

1. Note the report on the Meetings functions and events attended in an official capacity, by the Mayor and Councillors during the period 18 July through to 15 August 2023.

9.2 Coming Known Events for Mayor and Councillors

Resolved OCM 177/23

Moved: Cr Marg Applebee

Seconded: Cr Neil Westcott

That Council:

1. Note the known upcoming meetings, functions and events for the Mayor and Councillors for the period 16 August 2023 to 19 September 2023.

Carried

9.3 2023 Local Government NSW Water Management Conference

Motion

Moved: Cr Marg Applebee

Seconded: Cr Jacob Cass

That Council:

1. Note the letter of thanks from Local Government NSW.

9.4 Western Regional Academy of Sport Presentation Evening

Resolved OCM 178/23

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr Jacob Cass

That Council:

1. Note the information.

2. Write a letter of congratulations to Elly Thornberry on her awards success.

Carried

9.5 Country Mayors Association meeting 04 August 2023

Resolved OCM 179/23

Moved: Cr Marg Applebee

Seconded: Cr George Pratt

That Council:

1. Note the information.

Carried

9.6 Succession Planning

Resolved OCM 180/23

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr Jacob Cass

That Council:

1. Note the Mayors decision.

Carried

10 Reports of Committees

10.1 Minutes of the Extraordinary Council Meeting held on 1 August 2023

Resolved OCM 181/23

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr Jacob Cass

That Council:

1. Receive and confirm the Minutes of the Extraordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday 1 August 2023 appended at Annexure A.

Carried

10.2 Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held on 9 August 2023

Resolved OCM 182/23

Moved: Cr Ken McGrath

Seconded: Cr George Pratt

That Council:

1. Receive and confirm the Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held on Wednesday 9 August 2023 appended at Annexure A.

Carried

10.3 Minutes of the Parkes Sports Council Meeting held on 8 August 2023

Resolved OCM 183/23

Moved: Cr Louise O'Leary

Seconded: Cr Jacob Cass

That Council:

1. Receive and confirm the Minutes of the Parkes Sports Council Meeting held on Tuesday 8 August 2023 appended at Annexure A.

2. Place a copy of the Parkes Sports Council Annual Report on Council's web site.

Carried

10.4 Minutes of the Community Liveability and Access Committee Meeting held on 06 June 2023

Resolved OCM 184/23

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr George Pratt

That Council:

1. Receive and confirm the Minutes of the Community, Liveability and Access Committee meeting held on 06 June 2023 appended at Annexure A.

Carried

11 Reports of the General Manager

11.1 Investments & Borrowings Report as at 31 July 2023

Resolved OCM 186/23

Moved: Cr Jacob Cass

Seconded: Cr Daniel Weber

That Council:

Receive and note the Statement of Investments and Borrowings as on 31 July 2023

Carried

11.2 Making of the Rates and Fixing of Charges 2023-2024

Resolved OCM 187/23

Moved: Cr George Pratt

Seconded: Cr Jacob Cass

That Council:

1. In accordance with Chapter 15, Parts 4 and 5 of the Local Government Act 1993, make and levy the following rate for the 2023-2024 financial year:

(a) In relation to the Ordinary Rates, Council applies the increase of 3.7 per cent, inclusive of the rate peg, as determined by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.

(b) In relation to Ordinary Rates and pursuant to section 494 of the Local Government Act 1993, make and levy the following Ordinary Rate for the year 01 July 2023 to 30 June 2024:

Category and Sub-Category	Minimum Rate	Cents in Dollar (Ad Valorem)
Ordinary - Mining Copper Producing	$590.00	3.4257630

Carried

11.3 Draft Annual Financial Reports - 2022/2023

Resolved OCM 188/23

Moved: Cr Neil Westcott

Seconded: Cr Ken McGrath

That Council:

1. In accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 (as amended) and the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting, resolve to refer the accounts for audit.

Carried

11.4 Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor

Resolved OCM 189/23

Moved: Cr Jacob Cass

Seconded: Cr George Pratt

That Council:

1. Note the information on the process for the election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor to be held at the 19 September 2023 Council meeting.

Carried

12 Reports of the Director Customer, Corporate Services and Economy

12.1 Adoption of the revised Operational Plan and Budget 2023-24

Resolved OCM 190/23

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr Neil Westcott

That Council:

1. Receive and consider the submission received on the revised 2023-24 Fees and Charges, appended at Annexure A, and request the General Manager respond to the submission received.

2. Pursuant to section 405 of the Local Government Act 1993, adopt the revised Operational Plan 2023-24, including the 2023-24 Statement of Revenue Policy incorporating the annual budget and Schedule of Fees and Charges, appended at Annexure B.

3. Pursuant to clause 211(2) of the Local Government General Regulation 2021, approve expenditure and vote funds as detailed in the revised Operational Plan and Budget 2023-24.

Carried

12.2 Public Exhibition of draft Gender Equity Strategy

Resolved OCM 191/23

Moved: Cr Marg Applebee

Seconded: Cr Louise O'Leary

That Council:

1. Endorse public exhibition of the draft Gender Equity Strategy, appended at Annexure A, for a period of 28 days.

2. Receive a further report following the exhibition period that details any submissions received and considers the adoption of the draft Gender Equity Strategy.

Carried

12.3 Request for acknowledgment and support for a community gym at Berryman Oval in Trundle

Resolved OCM 192/23

Moved: Cr Marg Applebee

Seconded: Cr William Jayet

That Council:

1. Acknowledge the request by the Trundle and District Progress Association to establish a community gym at Berryman Oval in Trundle.

2. Consider any future requests from the Association to support the planning and fund-raising activities for a community gym.

3. Include the Trundle Community Gym project in the Integrated Planning and Reporting program and list it as a future project, which is supported by the Trundle community.

Carried

At this stage being 3.05pm having declared an interest in the following item Director of Operations temporarily left the meeting.

12.4 2024 NSW Country Golf Championship Partnership

Resolved OCM 193/23

Moved: Cr Neil Westcott

Seconded: Cr Jacob Cass

That Council:

1. Give public notice of its intention to provide $5,000 in financial assistance to Golf NSW, as detailed in this report, to support the delivery of the 2024 NSW Men's Country Golf Championships to be held at Parkes Golf Club.

2. Pursuant to section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993, approve the provision of $5,000 to Golf NSW, subject to no submissions being received.

Carried

Director of Operations rejoined the meeting at 3.11pm.

13 Reports of the Director Infrastructure and Strategic Futures

13.1 Major Projects and Current Works Report - Infrastructure and Strategic Futures

Resolved OCM 194/23

Moved: Cr Neil Westcott

Seconded: Cr William Jayet

That Council:

1. Receive and note the Infrastructure and Strategic Futures Major Projects and Current Works Report for August 2023, appended at Annexure A.

Carried

13.2 Parkes Wetlands Activation under the Growing Regions Program

Resolved OCM 195/23

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr Marg Applebee

That Council:

1. Support the Growing Regions Program submission to activate the Parkes Wetlands

2. Allocate $500,000 per year over two (2) financial years from the sewer fund reserves as Council's contribution to the Growing Regions Program submission to activate the Parkes Wetlands.

Carried

14 Reports of the Director Operations

14.1 Major Projects and Current Works - Operations

Resolved OCM 196/23

Moved: Cr Ken McGrath

Seconded: Cr George Pratt

That Council:

1. Receive and note the Operations Major Projects and Current Works Report for August 2023, appended at Annexure A.

Carried

At this stage being 3.39pm the Mayor adjourned the meeting for afternoon tea.

The meeting resumed at 4.03pm

15 Reports of the Director Planning and Community Services

15.1 July 2023 Building Statistics Report

Resolved OCM 197/23

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr Neil Westcott

That Council:

1. Receive and note the July 2023 Building Statistics Report.

Carried

15.2 Parkes Shire Council Development Control Plan Amendment

Resolved OCM 198/23

Moved: Cr Jacob Cass

Seconded: Cr George Pratt

That Council:

1. Endorse public exhibition of the draft amendments numbered 1-4 to the Parkes Shire Council Development Control Plan and place on public exhibition for 28 days

2. Receive a further report concerning the adoption of the draft amendments following conclusion of the public exhibition period.

Carried

15.3 Parkes Shire Council Highway Service Centre Strategy

Resolved OCM 199/23

Moved: Cr George Pratt

Seconded: Cr Ken McGrath

That Council:

1. Endorse public exhibition of the draft Parkes Shire Council Highway Service Centre Strategy and place on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

2. Receive a further report concerning the adoption of the draft Parkes Shire Council Highway Service Centre following conclusion of the public exhibition period.

Carried

15.4 DA 2023/0016- EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY- QUARRY

UNANIMOUS SUPPORT

Resolved OCM 200/23

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr Marg Applebee

That Council:

1. Approve DA 2023/0016 subject to the conditions contained within the report.

Carried

UNANIMOUS SUPPORT

15.5 DA2023/0017- EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY- QUARRY

Resolved OCM 201/23

Moved: Cr Jacob Cass

Seconded: Cr Marg Applebee

That Council:

1. Approve DA2023/0017 subject to the conditions contained within the report.

Carried

15.6 DA 2023/0018 EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY - QUARRY

UNANIMOUS SUPPORT

Resolved OCM 202/23

Moved: Cr Neil Westcott

Seconded: Cr Ken McGrath

That Council:

1. Approve DA2023/0018 subject to the conditions contained in the report.

Carried

15.7 DA 2023/0019 - EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY - QUARRY

UNANIMOUS SUPPORT

Resolved OCM 203/23

Moved: Cr Marg Applebee

Seconded: Cr Jacob Cass

That Council:

1. Approve DA 2023/0019 subject to the conditions contained within the report.

Carried

16 Notices of Motion/Questions with Notice

Nil

17 Confidential Matters

Resolved OCM 204/23

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr Jacob Cass

That Ordinary Council Meeting:

1. Moves into Closed Session to deal with the matters below, which are classified as confidential under section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 for the reasons specified:

17.1 Addition to Project Services Panel - Senior Project Engineer - Uminex

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) - c of the Local Government Act, and the Council is satisfied that discussion of this matter in an open meeting would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it deals with information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

Further it is considered that discussions of this matter in open Council would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it would prejudice Council's ability to secure the optimum outcome for the community.

17.2 Addition to Project Services Panel - Health Safety Environment Communications Quality (HSECQ) - Uminex

17.3 Critical Drought Relief (CDR) Bore Two (2) Drilling and Establishment/Conversion to Monitoring Bore - PSC2022/147

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) - a and c of the Local Government Act, and the Council is satisfied that discussion of this matter in an open meeting would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it deals with personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors) and information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

17.4 General Manager Performance Review for the period 01.07.2022 to 30.06.2023

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) - a of the Local Government Act, and the Council is satisfied that discussion of this matter in an open meeting would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it deals with personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors).

2. Exclude the media and public from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential, pursuant to 10A(1), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993.

3. Withhold reports and correspondence relevant to the subject business be withheld from the media and public as provided by section 11(2) of the Local Government Act 1993.

4. Make public resolutions made by the Council in Closed Session after the conclusion of the Closed Session, and record such resolutions in the minutes of the Council meeting.

Carried

At 4:24pm, the Meeting went into Closed Session.

17.1 Addition to Project Services Panel - Senior Project Engineer - Uminex

Resolved OCM 205/23

Moved: Cr George Pratt

Seconded: Cr Marg Applebee

That Council:

Adopt the recommendation for the engagement of a Senior Project Engineer within the Project Management Office for a 48-week engagement equating to 44hrs per week at $168/hr (excl GST) for a total cost $390,297.60 (incl GST).

Carried

17.2 Addition to Project Services Panel - Health Safety Environment Communications Quality (HSECQ) - Uminex

Resolved OCM 206/23

Moved: Cr George Pratt

Seconded: Cr Jacob Cass

That Council:

Adopt the recommendation for the engagement of a HSECQ Supervisor within the Project Management Office for a 48-week engagement equating to 44hrs per week, $148/hr (excl GST) for a total cost $343,833.60 (incl GST).

Carried

17.3 Critical Drought Relief (CDR) Bore Two (2) Drilling and Establishment/Conversion to Monitoring Bore - PSC2022/147

Resolved OCM 207/23

Moved: Cr George Pratt

Seconded: Cr Neil Westcott

That Council:

It is recommended that the Tender process be cancelled and that negotiations be entered into with the three preferred Tenderers detailed within. Detailed Tender clarifications have been ongoing since May 2023. The only option considered viable, that will enable delivery of this infrastructure by the funding deed cutoff date of December 2023, is that detailed below.

It is therefore recommended that Council:

1. Receives the confidential report, Critical Drought Relief Project Bore 2 Drilling And Establishment / Conversion To Monitoring Bore - PSC2022/147 (Confidential Report) in relation to request for tender process PSC2022/147 (RFT process);

2. In accordance with s178(1)(b) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (NSW) (Regulation), declines to accept any of the tenders submitted in response to the RFT process;

3. In accordance with s178(3)(e) of the Regulation, resolves to enter into negotiations with the persons identified for that purpose in the Confidential Report (Nominated Persons), in the manner described in the Confidential Report, with a view to entering into a contract for the services relating to the subject matter of the RFT process with one of the Nominated Persons;

4. That Council, in accordance with s178(4)(a) of the Regulation, notes that the reason for Council declining to invite fresh tenders or applications as referred to in ss178(3)(b)-(d) of the Regulation, is that:

a. It is not expected that further market testing will provide a more satisfactory result; and

b. It is anticipated that a satisfactory result can be achieved through negotiating with one or more of the Nominated Persons in the manner described in the Confidential Report; and

5. That all tenderers are notified as appropriate that no tenders for the RFT process were accepted; and

6. That the General Manager be authorised to directly negotiate with one or more of the Nominated Persons in the manner described in the Confidential Report, for the purpose of entering into a contract with a Nominated Person in relation to the subject matter of the RFT process, and execute that contract.

Carried

At this stage being 4.44pm the General Manager Kent Boyd having declared an interest in the following item left the meeting temporarily.

17.4 General Manager Performance Review for the period 01.07.2022 to 30.06.2023

Resolved OCM 208/23

Moved: Cr Marg Applebee

Seconded: Cr Jacob Cass

That Council:

1. Receive the General Manager's Performance review appended as Attachment 1.

2. Congratulate the General Manager on the result of his performance review.

3. Review the General Manager's remuneration package in line with Office of Local Government General Manager Remuneration and Legacy Report benchmark.

Carried

The General Manager rejoined the meeting at 4.48pm

At 4:49pm, the Council in Closed Session returned to Open Session.

18 Report of Confidential Resolutions

In accordance with clauses 14.22 and 14.23 of Council's Code of Meeting Practice, resolutions passed during a meeting, or a part of a meeting that is closed to the public must be made public by the Chairperson as soon as practicable. Such resolutions must be recorded in the publicly available minutes of the meeting.

Motion

That Ordinary Council Meeting:

1. Resume in Open Session and note the Mayor’s report on Confidential Resolutions.

19 Conclusion of Meeting

The meeting concluded at 4:52pm.

This is the final page of the minutes comprising 17 pages numbered of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 15 August 2023 to be confirmed on Tuesday, 19 September 2023.

Cr Ken Keith OAM

MAYOR

7 Disclosures of Interests

In accordance with Part 16 of Council's Code of Meeting Practice, all Councillors must disclose and manage any conflicts of interest they may have in matters being considered at the meeting.

Council's Code of Conduct deals with pecuniary and non-pecuniary conflicts of interest and political donations, and provides guidance on how these issues should be managed.

Councillors, and where applicable, other Council Officials, must be familiar with Council's Code of Conduct and their obligations to disclose and manage any conflicts of interest that they may have in matters being considered at this Council Meeting.

Note: Councillors and staff who declare an Interest at the Council Meeting are also required to complete a Declaration of Interest form.

Obligations
Pecuniary Interests	A Councillor who has a pecuniary interest in any matter with which the Council is concerned, and who is present at a meeting of the Council at which the matter is being considered, must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting. The Councillor must not be present at, or in sight of, the meeting: (a) At any time during which the matter is being considered or discussed, or (b) At any time during which the Council is voting on any question in relation to the matter.
Non-Pecuniary Conflicts of Interest	A Councillor who has a non-pecuniary conflict of interest in a matter, must disclose the relevant private interest in relation to the matter fully and on each occasion on which the non-pecuniary conflict of interest arises in relation to the matter.
Significant Non-Pecuniary Conflicts of Interest	A Councillor who has a significant non-pecuniary conflict of interest in relation to a matter under consideration at a Council meeting, must manage the conflict of interest as if they had a pecuniary interest in the matter.
Less than Significant Non-Pecuniary Interests	A Councillor who determines that they have a non-pecuniary conflict of interest in a matter that is not significant and does not require further action, when disclosing the interest must also explain why conflict of interest is not significant and does not require further action in the circumstances.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

19 September 2023

9 Mayoral Minute(s)

9.1 Meetings, Functions and Events attended by Mayor and Councillors

IP&R Linkage: Pillar: Leadership

Goal: Our local government is open, accountable, and representative.

Strategy: Advocate and provide strong representation for our community at the regional, state, and federal levels.

Author: Cr Ken Keith OAM

Annexures: Nil

Motion

That Council:

1. Note the report on the Meetings functions and events attended in an official capacity, by the Mayor and Councillors during the period 16 August 2023 through to 19 September 2023.

Report

Table 1: lists the Meetings, functions and events attended by the Mayor and Councillors during the period 16 August 2023 through to 19 September 2023.

Table 1: Meetings, Functions and Events attended by Mayor and Councillors

Date

Function

Tues 15 & Wed 16

August 2023

Trundle PA & H Association Annual Show

Public Holiday declared for Wed 16th 9.00am - 5.00pm

Wednesday

16 August 2023

Child Safety Awareness training

Mayor Ken Keith, Deputy Mayor Neil Westcott and Councillor WP Jayet

Wednesday

16 August 2023

Public meeting - Flood impacted residents at the Services Club

Mayor KJ Keith, Deputy Mayor NC Westcott, Councillors WP Jayet, ME Applebee

Friday

18 August 2023

50th Anniversary of the culmination of the Vietnam Confrontation - Short service & wreath laying ceremony at the Vietnam memorial on Memorial Hill
Mayor KJ Keith, Councillors GW Pratt and ME Applebee

Saturday

19 August 2023

Aboriginal Astronomy Night at the Dish

Mayor KJ Keith & Mrs Sue Keith

Tuesday

22 August 2023

Elders Advisory Group Meeting to be held at The Carrington Peak Hill

Councillors LA O'Leary (Chair) Director Planning & Community Services B Hayes and Manager Culture, Education and Library Services K Jones

Date

Function

Tues 22 & Wed 23

August 2023

Peak Hill PA & H Association Annual Show

Public Holiday declared for Wed 23rd 9.00am - 5.00pm

Wednesday

23 August 2023

Parkes Arts Advisory Council Meeting

Member Councillors
Councillors ME Applebee, WP Jayet, Deputy Mayor NC Westcott

Wednesday

23 August 2023

Bridging the Gap: Where Industry meets Students at Parkes TAFE

Deputy Mayor NC Westcott

Thursday

24 August 2023

CNSWJO Board meeting - State Parliament

Mayor KJ Keith and General Manager K Boyd

Thursday

24 August 2023

Trundle & District Progress Association Meeting

Councillor GS Wilson

Monday

28 August 2023

Community Safety Precinct Committee Meeting at Lachlan Shire Council

Mayor KJ Keith and General Manager Kent Boyd

Monday

28 August 2023

Peak Hill Community Consultative Committee Meeting

Councillor LA O'Leary

Monday - Wednesday

28 - 30 August 2023

Parkes PA & H Association Annual Show

Public Holiday declared for Tues 29th 12 noon to 5.00pm

Tuesday

29 August 2023

Opening of Lions Park Playground Refurbishment

Michael McCormack MP, Mayor KJ Keith, Deputy Mayor NC Westcott, Councillors WP Jayet, ME Applebee

Wednesday

30 August 2023

Special ARIC Meeting

Councillors ME Applebee and JP Cass

Thursday

31 August 2023

Understanding Local Government Financials for Councillors - Grenfell

Councillors WP Jayet and GS Wilson

Friday

1 September 2023

Parkes Meals on Wheels Grand Opening of new premises at 23 Forbes Road Parkes and media day

Mayor KJ Keith, Deputy Mayor NC Westcott, Councillors WP Jayet, ME Applebee, GW Pratt and GS Wilson

Saturday

2 September 2023

Trundle Bush Tucker Day

Mayor KJ Keith and Councillor ME Applebee

Date

Function

Tuesday

5 September 2023

Councillor Workshop

All Councillors and Executive Staff

Community Liveability and Access Advisory Committee Meeting

Councillors ME Applebee, GW Pratt, LA O'Leary, KJ Keith , WP Jayet and NC Westcott

Wed - Thurs

6 - 7 September 2023

Australian Local Government Association National Local Roads and Transport Congress - Canberra

Director Operations Ben Howard and Executive Manager Operations Logan Hignett

[Res: OCM047/23]

Wed - Thurs

6 - 7 September 2023

National Conference - Paint the town REaD

Includes Civic Reception on evening of 06.09.23 at the Pavilion in Cooke Park

Mayor KJ Keith, Deputy Mayor NC Westcott and Councillors WP Jayet, ME Applebee, LA O'Leary

Includes 25th Anniversary dinner celebrating First Reading day on 07.09.2023

Mayor KJ Keith, Deputy Mayor NC Westcott and Councillors WP Jayet, ME Applebee

Thursday

7 September 2023

Visit by His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley to Parkes

Mayor KJ Keith and Deputy Mayor NC Westcott

Friday

8 September 2023

Paint the Town REaD - Parkes Reading Day -

Mayor KJ Keith, Deputy Mayor NC Westcott, Councillors WP Jayet, ME Applebee

Monday

11 September 2023

Bogan Gate Memorial Hall Inc. Committee Meeting

Councillor GW Pratt

Tuesday

12 September 2023

Northparkes Mine Civic Reception to welcome the new CMOC Chairman Mr Honglin Yuan

Mayor KJ Keith and Councillors WP Jayet, ME Applebee and GS Wilson

Tuesday

12 September 2023

Tourism, Destination and Major Events Advisory Committee

Deputy Mayor NC Westcott, Councillors ME Applebee, JP Cass, WP Jayet

Tuesday

12 September 2023

Lachlan Health Council meeting

Councillor ME Applebee

Date

Function

Tuesday

12 September 2023

Parkes Sports Council

Mayor KJ Keith and Councillor LA O'Leary

Wednesday

13 September 2023

Tullamore and District Consultative Committee Meeting

Councillor GS Wilson

Thursday

14 September 2023

County Mayors Association Health Forum - Hosted by Murrumbidgee Health

Mayor KJ Keith

Friday

15 September 2023

Parkes High School Term 3 Recognition Awards

Councillor GW Pratt

Saturday

16 September 2023

Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day

Deputy Mayor, NC Westcott, Councillors WP Jayet, ME Applebee

Cr Ken Keith OAM

Mayor

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

19 September 2023

9.2 Coming Known Events for Mayor and Councillors

IP&R Linkage: Pillar: Leadership

Goal: Our local government is open, accountable, and representative.

Strategy: Advocate and provide strong representation for our community at the regional, state, and federal levels.

Author: Cr Ken Keith OAM

Annexures: Nil

Motion

That Council:

1. Note the known upcoming meetings, functions and events for the Mayor and Councillors for the period 19 September 2023 to 17 October 2023.

Report

Table1. below, lists the upcoming meetings, functions and events requiring the attendance of the Mayor or Councillors in relation to community or civic matters during the period 19 September 2023 to 17 October 2023.

Table 1: Known upcoming Meetings, Functions and Events for Mayor and Councillors

Date

Function

Tuesday
19 September 2023

Ordinary Council Meeting

Council Chambers

Parkes Shire Administration centre

All Councillors and Executive Staff

Includes Citizenship Ceremony

Includes Mayor and Deputy Mayor Elections

Wednesday
20 September 2023

Central West Lachlan Landcare Committee Annual General Meeting in Parkes
Councillors ME Applebee, WP Jayet

Monday

25 September 2023

Peak Hill Community Consultative Committee Meeting

Held on the fourth Monday of every month at the Peak Hill AIF Hall at 4pm.

Councillor LA O'Leary (Alternate Deputy Mayor NC Westcott)

Thursday

28 September 2023

CNSWJO Policy Labs Launch (Health & Water) in Orange

Mayor and General Manager

Thursday

28 September 2023

Trundle & District Progress Association Meeting

Held on the fourth Thursday of each month at the Trundle Memorial Hall commencing at 6.30pm.

Councillor GS Wilson (Alternate Cr ME Applebee)

Friday

29 September 2023

The Cardboard Show - Celebration and Grand Finale at Parkes Library

All Councillors invited

Date

Function

Friday

29 September 2023

Central West Police District Remembrance Services - Holy Family Catholic Church Parkes at 11.00am

Mayor and all Councillors invited

Tuesday

03 October 2023

Councillor Workshop

All Councillors and Executive Staff

Monday

09 October 2023

Bogan Gate Memorial Hall Inc. Committee Meeting

Held on second Monday of each month at the Bogan gate Community Memorial Hall commencing at 7.00pm

Councillor GW Pratt (Alternate is Cr ME Applebee)

Monday

09 October 2023

Australia Day Committee Annual General Meeting

Mayor KJ Keith, Deputy Mayor NC Westcott, Councillors

LA O'Leary, ME Applebee, WP Jayet

Tuesday

10 October 2023

Lachlan Health Council meeting

Held on Second Tuesday of every month

Councillor ME Applebee (Cancelled from August)

Tuesday

10 October 2023

Parkes Sports Council

Held on Second Tuesday of every month

Mayor KJ Keith and Councillor LA O'Leary

Wednesday

11 October 2023

Tullamore and District Consultative Committee Meeting

Held on the second Wednesday of every month at the Tullamore Bowling Club on the even month and the Tullamore Hotel on the odd month at 7.00pm
Councillor GS Wilson (Alternates are Councillors ME Applebee, WP Jayet and LA O'Leary)

Friday

13 October 2023

Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting

Councillors JP Cass and ME Applebee

Saturday

14 October 2023

Trundle ABBA Festival

Mayor, General Manager, All Councillors invited

Cr Ken Keith OAM

Mayor

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

19 September 2023

9.4 Star of Parkes - Rhonda Brain OAM

IP&R Linkage: Pillar: Leadership

Goal: Our local government is open, accountable, and representative.

Strategy: Provide open and transparent decision-making and undertake the civic duties of Council with professionalism and integrity.

Author: Cr Ken Keith OAM

Annexures: Nil

Motion

That Council:

1. That Council formally congratulates Rhonda Brain OAM on becoming a "Star of Parkes".

2. Note the information.

Report

It was my great pleasure to present Rhonda Brain OAM with a Star of Parkes at the recent National Reading Conference in Parkes. Rhonda instigated the Birth to Kindergarten reading initiative which encouraged reading, talking, singing, and rhyming to children right from birth.

The concept grew to an organisation now known as Paint the Town REaD which is a National Organisation with communities in five (5) states participating.

Her vision 27 years ago has brought great benefit to our children and enormous kudos to the Shire of Parkes. She is a most worthy recipient.

Deputy Mayor Neil Wescott, Councillor Louise O'Leary, Mayor Ken Keith OAM, Rhonda Brain OAM,
Councillor Marg Applebee and Councillor Bill Jayet.

Cr Ken Keith OAM

Mayor

9.5 Central NSW Joint Organisation Board Meeting

IP&R Linkage: Pillar: Leadership

Goal: Our local government is open, accountable, and representative.

Strategy: Advocate and provide strong representation for our community at the regional, state, and federal levels.

Author: Cr Ken Keith OAM

Annexures: Nil

Motion

That Council:

1. Note the report from Mayor Ken Keith OAM on the Central NSW Joint Organisation Board meeting held on 23 August 2023 and the roundtable discussion with State Ministers and their representative’s held on 24 August 2023.

Report

The General Manager Kent Boyd and I attended the Central NSW Joint Organisation (CNSWJO) Board meeting on 23 August at Local Government House, Margaret St Sydney. The following day the Board met with NSW Government ministers and shadow ministers at Parliament House in Macquarie Street Sydney. The meeting at Parliament House was hosted by Steph Cooke, Member for Cootamundra and Shadow Minister for Water and Crown Lands.

Following is a report on that meeting and is provided for the information of Council.

The region farewelled two long serving mayors, Cr Bill West, Mayor of Cowra and Cr Ken Keith, Mayor of Parkes. Both were recognised for their substantial service to not just the region but to regional communities in NSW more broadly.

Chair Cr Beatty acknowledges Cr Bill West and Cr Ken Keith and wished them well in the future.

CNSWJO Board meeting 23 August at Local Government House

Minutes from the Board meeting are attached and the agenda is available online at https://www.centraljo.nsw.gov.au/business-papers-agendas/ or please request.

Board members were welcomed to the Local Government House in Margaret Street by the President of Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Cr Darriea Turley and Acting Chief Executive Damien Thomas. Members were reminded their suite of offices is for the use of all member councils.

Deputy Secretary of the Office of Local Government (OLG) Mr Brett Whitworth was also in attendance and addressed the Board. Matters discussed included;

· the IPART Review of the rate peg methodology final report to be released end of August;

· Audit Risk and Improvement Committees – concern for the mooted regulation conflicting with local democracy;

· concerns for the impact of social media;

· costs of accessing telecommunications' infrastructure; and

· ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of red fleet on councils’ books.

Mr Brett Whitworth Deputy Secretary of OLG addressing the CNSWJO Board 23 August

Key information provided in the agenda and key resolve of the Board is as follows:

· draft advocacy material to support members for drought preparedness given the likely drying conditions was presented for finalisation;

· progress on the business case for investment in infrastructure in region that addresses the nexus between energy security and net zero was reported. Council can expect some fascinating deep dive advice on their energy security and projected demand in coming weeks;

· progress on the regional Water Loss Management Centre project including bringing leak detection dogs to the region to the region was provided;

· adoption of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Doctors’ Network (RDN) which was signed at Parliament House the next day and presented to the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Regional Health, Dr Michael Holland. Where further advice on an upcoming workshop in region will be provided to Council in due course, the role of the MoU is to provide a framework for the parties to operate within including;

o MoU governance and relationship management;

o collaborative activity planning and workplan/s, Program development;

o supporting community health system understanding and workforce literacy;

o policy and advocacy; and

o joint promotion; and

· adoption of a review of Population Projections for Local Government Areas in the Central NSW Joint Organisation Area on an LGA by LGA basis. Looking backwards, there has broadly been gradual improvement in accuracy on behalf of DPE on population projections and then Common Planning assumption in most LGAs in Central NSW over the past decade and more. However, there are some glaring errors for example according the 2022 NSW Common Planning Assumptions the current population according to the Census for Blayney will not be reached until 2030. For Oberon the 2022 Common Planning Assumptions never reach the current population.

The following submissions were either requested or adopted by the Board:

1. IPART on the council rating methodology;

2. IPART - Monitoring the NSW Biodiversity Credits Markets;

3. Department of Planning and Environment- the Biodiversity Assessment Method review, Department of Planning and Environment;

4. Parliament of NSW - Inquiry into the Implementation of Recommendations Relating to Workforce Issues, Workplace Culture and Funding Considerations for Remote, Rural and Regional Health within existing policy; and

5. Australian Energy Market Commission - Draft Community Engagement Rules for Major Transmission Projects.

All submissions are available on the CNSWJO website at https://www.centraljo.nsw.gov.au/submissions/

Meetings with State representatives at Parliament House 24 August

The following day the Board, with the support of the Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, held a roundtable discussion with various ministers and shadow ministers. A summary follows where briefing notes can be requested.

The Board spoke with the following State Representatives:

· Ms (Steph) Stephanie Cooke, Member for Cootamundra and Shadow Minister for Water and Shadow Minister for Crown Lands

· Mr Dugald Saunders, Member for Dubbo and Shadow Minister for Regional NSW and

Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Leader of The Nationals

· The Hon. Courtney Houssos, MLC , Minister for Finance and Minister for Natural Resources

· The Hon. Stephen Lawrence, MLC

· Dr Michael Holland, MP Member for Bega Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health

· The Hon. Paul Scully, Member for Wollongong, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

· The Hon. (Bronnie) Bronwyn Taylor, MLC, Shadow Minister for Regional Health, Shadow Minister for Trade and Shadow Minister for Seniors, Deputy Leader of The Nationals

· The Hon. (Sam) Samuel Farraway, MLC, Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

· The Hon. Ron Hoenig, Member for Heffron, Minister for Local Government, Leader of the House and Vice-President of the Executive Council

CNSWJO speaking with the Hon. Courtney Houssos, MLC, Minister for Finance and Minister for Natural Resources and

the Hon. Stephen Lawrence MLC

The consistent theme from ministers is that the incoming budget in September will be tight.

Where all attending ministers were welcomed to be hosted by CNSWJO in the region, there was significant interest from member Councils on a tour of the region by Dr Michael Holland, MP Member for Bega Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health.

Interestingly, the meeting with the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Ron Hoenig, provided some insights into the issues of Council financial sustainability, the regulatory burden and red fleet. The Minister spent some time expressing his views which include;

· to restore oversight and authority of councillors that the 1993 Act was designed to empower;

· that the NSW Government should get out of the way of local democracy and there has been too much regulation inhibiting councillors from doing their jobs effectively and efficiently;

· that council as the elected body should have control over financial affairs;

· that internal audit and improvement processes were welcomed but should be fit for purpose where one size will not fit all- the Minister sought more advice regarding concerns members have been expressing over Audit Risk and Improvements Committees costs and structural impacts; and

· that he is taking his time to understand the issues and suggested that members inform themselves of the history of ownership of red fleet and their actual control of the assets; starting with Service Level Agreements.

Follow-up actions from the round table of the region’s behalf were:

1. Continuing to work with both sides of government regarding;

a. the raising of the wall at Wyangala Dam including seeking to see the business case;

b. reinstating the Blayney-Demondrille Line;

c. progressing a safe swift and secure transport link between Central NSW and Sydney;

d. seeking to have a meeting in region regarding the Joint Parliamentary Inquiry into Constitutional Arrangement for Local Water Utilities;

e. betterment in natural disaster funding including for current rounds;

f. council financial sustainability, Emergency Levy Funding, red fleet and Audit Risk;

g. community impacts of the rewiring of the region to meet net zero carbon emissions targets;

h. Treasury Common Planning Assumptions;

i. the cost of biodiversity offsets; and

j. being alive to the Murray Darling Basin Plan review.

2. Providing Ministerial advice requests on

a. Audit Risk and Improvement Committees;

b. incentivising medical visits into aged care facilities;

c. member Council input to guidance on renewable energy development; and

d. natural disaster funding timing and the inclusion of betterment.

Value to members

A snapshot of the value to members of the various activities undertaken by the JO for their members in the context of the CNSWJO Strategic Plan follows.

VALUE FOR MEMBERS	FY 2019/ 2020	FY 2020 /2021	FY 2021/ 2022	FY 2022/ 2023	FYTD 2023/ 2024
SUBMISSIONS	20	23	16	13	3
PLANS, STRATEGIES AND COLLATERAL	26	12	3	9	1
GRANTS SEEKING	3	3	1	9	1
GRANT FUNDING AWARDED	$215k	$736k	$738k	$2.05m	$7k
COMPLIANCE	13	9	11	16
DATA	6	3	1	14
COST SAVINGS	$1.87m	$2.2m	$2.1m	$1.89m
REPRESENTATION AND OPPORTUNITIES COUNCILS HAVE BEEN AFFORDED	147	159	210	143	38
MEDIA INCLUDING SOCIAL MEDIA	13	18	25	32	1
PR VALUE OF TOURISM	$1.5m	$2.4m	$1.9m	Will be reported to Board
MEDIA PR VALUE	35	102	101	51	6

Savings

The following table shows the savings achieved by member Councils through aggregated procurement and programming. An explanation of the meaning of each column has been reported previously and is available on request. The table reflects savings in the 22/23 financial year reported to the August Board meeting. Please request advice from previous years where costs savings continue to grow every year.

The cost to members is calculated on a percentage of each CNSWJO staff member and their corresponding workload on procurement and contract management. This figure is updated quarterly in line with the cost savings.

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Minutes of the CNSWJO Board Meeting 23 August2023 held in Sydney

In Attendance*

Cr R Taylor	Bathurst Regional Council	Cr M Statham	Lithgow City Council
Cr S Ferguson	Blayney Shire Council	Cr M Kellam	Oberon Council
Cr K Beatty	Cabonne Council	Cr K Keith OAM	Parkes Shire Council
Cr B West	Cowra Shire Council	Cr P Best	Weddin Shire Council
Cr P Miller OAM	Forbes Shire Council

Mr D Sherley	Bathurst Regional Council	Mr G Rhodes	CTW
Mr M Dicker	Blayney Shire Council	Cr A McGibbon	UMCC
Mr B Byrnes	Cabonne Council	Mr S Bowman	RDACW
Mr P Devery	Cowra Shire Council	Ms O West	Regional NSW
Mr S Loane OAM	Forbes Shire Council	Ms J Bennett	CNSWJO
Mr C Butler	Lithgow City Council	Ms M Macpherson	CNSWJO
Mr D Waddell	Orange City Council	Ms C Griffin	CNSWJO
Mr K Boyd PSM	Parkes Shire Council	Ms V Page	CNSWJO
Ms N Vu	Weddin Shire Council

*Voting members in bold

Meeting opened at 12.39 pm by Chair Cr Kevin Beatty

1. Acknowledgement of Country

Acknowledgment to Country: Gadigal (Sydney)

2. Welcome from the Chair Cr Kevin Beatty

Acknowledged our two Board members who are not standing for Mayor in September Cr Ken Keith and Cr Bill West both for their communities and as regional advocates.

3. Apologies applications for a leave of absence by Joint Voting representatives

Cr J Medcalf, Cr C Bembrick, Cr J Hamling, Mr B Byrnes, Mr G Tory, Mr G Wallace, Cr D Somervaille, Cr R Fagan and Mr T Johnson.

Resolved Cr M Kellam/Cr R Taylor

That the apologies for the Central NSW Joint Organisation Board meeting 23 August 2023 listed above be accepted.

4. Conflicts of Interest

Resolved Cr R Taylor/Cr M Kellam

Nil declared

5. Speakers

a. Mr Brett Whitworth Deputy Secretary, Local Government, Department of Planning and Environment

Ms O West arrived at 12.44pm

Cr P Miller left the meeting at 1.00pm

b. Cr Darriea Turley AM, President of Local Government NSW gave an update in attendance and was Acting Chief Officer Damien Thomas.

Cr B West, Cr S Ferguson, Mr P Devery and Mr M Dicker arrived at 1.18pm

6. Minutes

Confirmation of the Minutes of the CNSWJO Board Meeting 24 May 2023 held in Canberra

Resolved Cr K Keith/Cr B West

That the Central NSW Joint Organisation Board confirm the Minutes of the CNSWJO Board Meeting 24 May 2023 held in Canberra

7. Business Arising from the Minutes – Matters in Progress

Resolved Cr P Best/Cr R Taylor

That the Central NSW Joint Organisation Board note the Matters in Progress, making deletions as suggested.

8. Reports on Statement of Regional Strategic Priority

Priority One: Inter-Council Co-operation

a. Financial Report

Resolved Cr M Kellam/ Cr S Ferguson

That the Board note the Financial Report.

b. Compliance Report

Resolved Cr S Ferguson/Cr R Taylor

That the Board note the Compliance Report

Mr Whitworth, Cr M Statham and Mr C Butler left at 1.30pm

c. The CNSWJO Governance and Advocacy Report

Resolved Cr P Best/Cr M Kellam

That the Board note the CNSWJO Governance Advocacy Report and

1. note the Advocacy Subcommittee update;

2. note the advice from the Health and Aging Portfolio Mayors’ Subcommittee;

3. adopt the MoU the Rural Doctor’s Network;

4. adopt the Plan on a Page for the Planners’ Group;

5. adopt the Terms of Reference for the Spare Capacity in Housing Project;

6. circulate the Plan on a Page for the Spare Capacity in Housing Project for adoption through the Chair;

7. endorse the submission to IPART on the council rating methodology;

8. endorse the submission on the monitoring the NSW Biodiversity Credits Markets – IPART;

9. endorse the Response on the Biodiversity Assessment Method review, Department of Planning and Environment;

10. adopt the Current and Historic Population Projections for Local Government Areas in the Central NSW Joint Organisation;

11. lodge a submission to the Inquiry into the Implementation of Recommendations Relating to Workforce Issues, Workplace Culture and Funding Considerations for Remote, Rural and Regional Health within existing policy;

12. lodge a submission to the Draft Community Engagement Rules for Major Transmission Projects within existing policy;

13. note that a date is being sought for a meeting in Hawkesbury to progress a policy position on a safe, swift and secure link between Central NSW and Sydney;

14. update the Transport Advocacy Plan to support;

a. the Bathurst Bullet being extended to Orange, including Opal Card ticketing;

b. a morning day-return service from Dubbo to Syndey via Orange using Bullet 2 pathway and timetable;

c. Staged Faster Rail track upgrades to reduce travel time from Orange and Dubbo; and

d. Split the faster passenger rail at Orange to go to Parkes and Dubbo; and

15. for the two days of meetings that are concurrent with parliamentary visits, the Board meeting be held on the Friday;

16. invite interested Mayors to the next Advocacy Mayor’s Subcommittee meeting to progress priority on the Safe Swift and Secure Link between Sydney and Central NSW where this is to include discussion on a freight study and rail as a potential priority.

d. Regional Procurement and Contracts

Resolved Cr M Kellam/Cr R Taylor

That the Board notes the report on the Regional Procurement and Contract Management Report and that it:

1. note the procurement activities that have occurred between Board meetings; and

2. approve the additional procurement processes added to the CNSWJO regional procurement plan for 2023/2024.

e. Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF) Program report

Resolved Cr B West/Cr R Taylor

That the Board note the Disaster Risk Reduction Program report and:

1. note the approval by NSW Reconstruction Authority of the extension of Milestone 2 from 30 September to 11 November 2023, with the ultimate project deadline of 30 June 2024 remaining the same;

2. note the approval by NSW Reconstruction Authority of the collaborative variation under the Regional Resilience Program to allocate an additional spend of $4,000 from Central NSW Joint Organisation for the Regional Resilience Program Monitoring and Evaluation plan, led by Canberra Region Joint Organisation;

3. recommend to councils they consider entering into new data sharing agreements with Spatial Services; and

4. endorse the submission for the Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding reviewed by the Central NSW Joint Organisation Transport Technical Committee.

Priority two: Regional Prosperity through better Infrastructure and Services

f. “Come Out, We’re Open” – Post Campaign Report

Resolved Cr B West/ Cr P Best

That the Board note the “Come Out, We’re Open” – Post Campaign Report.

Priority five: Transport and Infrastructure

g. Transport Advocacy

Resolved Cr K Keith/Cr M Kellam

That the Board note the Transport report and note:

1. the alignment of work with the CNSWJO Disaster Risk Reduction Fund’s transport vulnerability assessment;

2. progress for the “Fix Me” project; and

3. the legal advice received from Marsdens Law Group regarding the Master Access Deeds and Road Rail Interface Agreement.

Priority six: Regional Water Security and Productive Water

h. Regional Water Report

Resolved Cr P Best/Cr R Taylor

That the Board note the Regional Water Security and Productive Water report and:

1. endorse the submission made under the hand of the executive to the Productivity Commission’s Murray Darling Basin Plan Independent Review; and

2. advocate now that the Regional Water Strategies are near release for the Wyangala Business case and assessment to be released; and

3. support the pamphlet developed for the Minister of Water in principle with changes to be made based on feedback from members.

Cr P Miller returned at 3.04pm

Priority Seven: Transition to a sustainable, secure and affordable energy future

i. Energy Report

Resolved Cr M Kellam/Cr S Ferguson

That the Board note the Energy Report and;

1. note the progress of the Business Case on the Nexus Between Energy Security and Emissions Reduction;

2. endorse the Project Plan for the Business Case on the Nexus Between Energy Security and Emissions Reduction; and

3. endorse the application to ARENA for the Community Battery Program.

9. Quarterly review of the Central NSW JO Strategic Plan and Statement of Regional Strategic Priority 2022 -2025

Resolved Cr P Miller/Cr R Taylor

That the Board note the Quarterly review of the Central NSW JO Strategic Plan and Statement of Regional Strategic Priority 2022 –2025.

10. Late reports – Nil

11. Matters raised by Members

UMCC – Concerns there may be funding cuts to DPI and the effects on weeds management.

12. Passing of Former Deputy Mayor of Cabonne, Kevin Walker

Resolved Cr P Miller/Cr P Best

That the Board send a letter of condolences to the Walker family.

13. Speakers to the next meeting.

The Premier and the Minister for Water were requested as part of the parliamentary visit.

14. Next meetings:

GMAC: 26 October – Forbes

Board: 23 November – With support from the Member for Orange, Mr Phil Donato MP and Member for Barwon, Mr Roy Butler MP the meeting be held in Sydney including a dinner at Parliament House. Details to be circulated as soon as possible.

Meeting closed 3.25 pm

Cr Ken Keith OAM

Mayor

Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting Minutes

27 July 2023

Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting

Minutes

Thursday 27 July 2023

Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting

Held on Thursday, 27 July 2023 at the

Parkes Council Chamber, 2 Cecile Street, Parkes

Present:

Mr Stephen Horne Chairperson

Mr Tony Harb Member

Dr Meredith Caelli Member

Cr Jacob Cass Councillor (non-voting)

Cr Marg Applebee Councillor (non-voting)

Council Officers in Attendance:

Mr Kent Boyd General Manager

Mr Anthony McGrath Director Customer, Corporate Services and Economy

Mrs Mikaela Cass Manager Governance, Risk and Corporate Performance

Mr Jaco Barnard Chief Financial Officer

Mr Luke Nash Financial Accountant

Miss Georgia Smith Business Services Trainee (Minutes Secretary)

Guests

Mr Paul Quealey Lambourne Partners (Internal Auditor)

Mr Andrew Francis Director Infrastructure and Strategic Futures

Mr Patrick Williams Manager People, Safety and Culture

Mrs Bianca Lovett Records and Information Management Coordinator

Mrs Nikki Bevan Procurement, Contracts and Insurance Coordinator

NOTES

Mr Paul Quealey attended via audio-visual link.

The meeting commenced at 9.00am with a 20 minute session with the Committee and the General Manager, followed by a 10 minute in-camera session with the Committee and the Internal Auditor. The Internal Auditor left the meeting at the conclusion of the in-camera session.

The General Manager, Director Customer Corporate Services and Economy, Manager Governance, Risk and Corporate Performance and Business Services Trainee attended the meeting from 9.30am for the purpose of a planning session with the Committee.

The Committee identified the following opportunities for improvement:

· Less detail provided to the Committee in the Business Papers - a more strategic approach is suggested with a greater focus on the risks associated with the activities.

· Reports are structured to generate conversation (i.e., staff should ask themselves the question "what is the discussion that you want this report to generate?" when writing reports).

· Review the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee report template to include:

o Mapping of risks to strategic and operational risk registers

o Opportunities identified in the report

o Performance indicators

o Legislative obligations

· Status of major projects presented in a dashboard format with a red/amber/green traffic light system accompanied by a presentation from the Project Manager and/or Director of one or two high-risk projects.

The following general items were discussed with the Committee as part of the planning session:

· A meeting is to be set with the Committee early 2024 to discuss updates to the Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit for local government in NSW and the implications of these updates on the ARIC Meeting Plan.

· General discussion regarding measuring the effectiveness of the ARIC for inclusion in the annual assessment to the governing body each year (i.e., the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Annual Report) and the four-yearly review of the effectiveness of the ARIC in conformance with the International Professional Practice Framework.

The General Manager left the meeting at 10.21am.

Council's Chief Financial Officer, Financial Accountant, Records and Information Management Coordinator and Procurement, Contracts and Insurance Coordinator joined the meeting at 10.38am.

Order Of Business

1 Opening of Meeting.. 5

2 Acknowledgement of Country. 5

3 Apologies. 5

4 Confirmation of Minutes. 5

4.1 Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting held on 2 June 2023. 5

5 Disclosures of Interests. 5

6 Late Business. 5

7 Officers' Reports. 6

7.1 General Manager's Report to ARIC - July 2023. 6

7.2 Risk Management - Major Projects Update. 6

7.3 Risk Management - Lachlan Pipeline Duplication Project Procurement Plan (Working Draft) 6

7.4 Risk Management - Lachlan River and Water Treatment Precincts Procurement Strategy Presentation. 7

7.5 Risk Management - Enterprise Risk Management Plan and Roadmap. 8

7.6 Internal Audit - Draft Strategic Assurance and Internal Audit Plan. 9

7.7 Internal Audit - Records and Information Management Current State Assessment 10

7.8 Internal Audit - Work Health and Safety Management System ISO 45001:2018 Conformance Audit 11

7.9 Internal Audit - Progress Report on the Implementation of Internal Audit Program Actions. 12

7.10 External Audit - Progress Report on the Implementation of External Audit Program Actions. 13

7.11 Financial - Chief Financial Officers Report 14

7.12 Financial - Financial Management and Governance in MidCoast Council Gap Analysis - Audit Office of New South Wales Report 14

7.13 Service Review - State Library Assessment of Parkes Shire Library. 15

7.14 Performance and Review - Chair's Report on Committee Performance. 16

8 Report of Confidential Resolutions. 16

9 Conclusion of Meeting.. 16

1 Opening of Meeting

The Chairperson declared the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting of Thursday, 27 July 2023 open and welcomed Council Officials in attendance.

2 Acknowledgement of Country

The Chairperson acknowledged the respective Country of all attending this meeting either remotely or in person. He paid respect to their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing connection with the lands and rivers of Country, and to Elders past, present and emerging and extends this respect to all First Nations peoples.

3 Apologies

Nil.

4 Confirmation of Minutes

4.1 Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting held on 2 June 2023

DECISION ARIC 023/23

That the Minutes of the meeting held on Friday 2 June 2023, appended at Annexure A, be confirmed.

Carried

5 Disclosures of Interests

The Chairperson reminded Council Officials of their obligation under Council's Code of Conduct to disclose and manage any conflicts of interest they may have in matters being considered at the meeting, and invited Council Officials present to disclose any such interests.

Mr Tony Harb advised of his association with assurance works carried out by InConsult for Council's Internal Audit service provider, Lambourne Partners.

6 Late Business

The Chairperson advised that no late items of business had been submitted to the meeting.

7 Officers' Reports

7.1 General Manager's Report to ARIC - July 2023

SUMMARY:

The General Manager provided a briefing on various economic development, housing, roads, workforce and financial matters.

DISCUSSION:

The Committee discussed the following:

· The General Manager provided the Committee with an update during the in-camera session. The Chair advised that a good discussion was had and no further questions were raised concerning the report.

DECISION ARIC 024/23

That the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee:

1. Note the report provided by the General Manager.

.Carried

7.2 Risk Management - Major Projects Update

SUMMARY:

Status reports on the high-risk projects currently being undertaken by Council were tabled at the Council's Major Projects Steering Committee meeting held on 07 July 2023. An excerpt of those reports, which includes the Project Scope and Budget vs. Spend, Main issues and current risks for each project were provided for the information of the Committee.

DISCUSSION:

The Major Projects Update report was not discussed due to availability of Directors.

7.3 Risk Management - Lachlan Pipeline Duplication Project Procurement Plan (Working Draft)

SUMMARY:

The purpose of the Lachlan Pipeline Duplication Project (LPDP) Procurement Plan is to document and seek ARIC review and recommendation of the plan which includes detail around the packages, procurement methodology and contracts as described within the Strategy.

LPDP is a major project for Council and a significant procurement in excess of $50M which requires a strategic plan to be undertaken with input from an experienced working group.

DISCUSSION:

Discussions for report item 7.3 were considered as part of report item 7.4.

7.4 Risk Management - Lachlan River and Water Treatment Precincts Procurement Strategy Presentation

SUMMARY:

Council's Director Infrastructure and Strategic Futures presented an update to the Committee on the Lachlan River and Water Treatment Precincts projects. The presentation highlighted high-risk factors with the project.

The new Lachlan River Precinct and Water Treatment Precinct assets are part of a major suite of works termed the Parkes Water Security Program including the Lachlan Pipeline Duplication, pump stations and solar installations.

The purpose of the BBRF (Lachlan River and Water Treatment Precinct) Procurement Strategy is to document, seek ARIC's review and finally Council's endorsement of the procurement processes required to successfully deliver the following infrastructure packages associated with both Precinct in accordance with Council's LGA & Funding Deed obligations

DISCUSSION:

The Committee discussed the following:

· The Committee sought clarification on the timeframe of funding and an estimation of how much this project will cost. Council's Director Infrastructure and Strategic Futures advised the funding timeline is 31 March 2024.

· The Committee queried if Council will be out of pocket throughout the stages of the project due to funding milestones. Council's Director Infrastructure and Strategic Futures advised that the grant funding is a percentage based on project expenditure and as such, Council is not out of pocket.

· Council's Director Infrastructure and Strategic Futures reminded the Committee that the project is to upgrade the Shire's water infrastructure and that water security is not an issue.

· The Committee queried Council's degree of confident of the control measures in place to mitigate the project risks. Council's Director Infrastructure and Strategic Futures advised that majority of the project risks are operational in nature and are mitigated through regular governance and assurance controls (e.g. probity).

· The Committee queried an allowance for project funding in the event that the project timeline wasn't met. Council's Chief Financial Officer advised that there is currently $14 million in the Water Fund reserves which is sufficient to cover any shortfall, if required.

· The Committee queried Council's plan for the closure of the walking track located near the Precinct. Council's Director Infrastructure and Strategic Futures confirmed that the walking track may face closure of 3 months, however interim arrangements have been identified to relocate the walking track with appropriate signage and fencing.

· The Committee queried how Council will demonstrate achievement of the Building Better Regions Fund outcomes mentioned in the presentation. Council's Director Infrastructure and Strategic Futures advised that the funding outcomes are considered as part of the "business as usual" project governance including project plans and project meetings.

· Council's Director Customer, Corporate Services and Economy raised the risk assessment recently undertaken by Royal Life Saving NSW for the "Places to Swim" project at Lake Endeavour and the need to manage drowning risks with appropriate controls.

· The Committee requested a one-page dashboard at each quarterly ARIC meeting highlighting project status with a red/amber/green traffic light system.

DECISION ARIC 025/23

That the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee:

1. For the information of the Committee.

1. Council Officer's provide a one-page dashboard at each quarterly ARIC meeting highlighting project status with a red/amber/green traffic light system.

Carried

Council's Manager People, Safety and Culture joined the meeting at 11.20am.

7.5 Risk Management - Enterprise Risk Management Plan and Roadmap

SUMMARY:

Parkes Shire Council (Council) recognises that risk management is fundamental to the organisation achieving its strategic and operational objectives and that it plays an integral role in day-to-day management and decision-making at all levels. Everyone has a role to play in the management of risk within the Council, whether as a risk owner, a control owner, right down to the need for every employee to follow procedures and processes without deviation.

DISCUSSION:

The Committee discussed the following:

· The Committee suggested to embed the Office of Local Government's draft Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit for Local Government in NSW into Council's risk management methodology to ensure compliance with the International Professional Practice Framework.

· The Committee suggested that risk management training should be delivered to all staff responsible for managing a risk in Stage 1 rather than Stage 2, as this will inform the workshops scheduled for Stage 2.

· The Committee suggested moving the evaluation and recording of strategic and operational risks in Risk Registers to Stage 2, to compliment the workshops that will be run with staff.

· The Committee identified that the dot points in Objective 2 in the plan should include both staff and councillors undertaking risk management training programs.

· The Committee suggested developing a one-page "Risk Appetite Statement" in consultation with the Communications team to assist with developing a risk-based culture and engaging staff in the process.

· Council's Manager Governance, Risk and Corporate Performance advised that the suggestions identified by the Committee will be integrated into the plan.

DECISION ARIC 026/23

That the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee:

1. Receive and note the Enterprise Risk Management Plan and Roadmap (draft).

Carried

7.6 Internal Audit - Draft Strategic Assurance and Internal Audit Plan

SUMMARY:

Clause 6.4(e) of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Charter provides that the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (“the Committee”) is responsible for reviewing Council’s internal audit coverage and Internal Audit Plan and considering the adequacy of internal audit resources to carry out its responsibilities, including completion of the approved Internal Audit Plan.

DISCUSSION:

The Committee discussed the following:

· The Committee commented that it is helpful to show first and second line reviews and assurances and that the draft Strategic Assurance and Internal Audit Plan provides a good overview of these.

· The Committee advised that there are a lot of issues worthy of examination, such as Grants Management, and the list of "leftover" topics in the plan allows for potential movements.

· The Committee identified a need for line of sight for fraud and corruption as this hasn't been included in the draft Strategic Assurance and Internal Audit Plan.

· The Committee queried the criteria assessment used to identify audit and assurance areas. The Internal Auditor advised that available information was used to compile the plan including discussions with key Council personnel and the Executive Leadership Team.

· The Committee queried how they receive line of sight over outcomes identified in audits and suggested an Executive Summary for each audit. Council's Director Customer, Corporate Services and Economy advised that reports are provided to the Committee regularly (i.e. Records and Information Management Current State Assessment report).

· The Committee advised that they are happy to endorse the draft Strategic Assurance and Internal Audit Plan.

DECISION ARIC 027/23

That the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee:

1. Endorse the Strategic Assurance and Internal Audit Plan provided by Lambourne Partners.

Carried

7.7 Internal Audit - Records and Information Management Current State Assessment

SUMMARY:

Parkes Shire Council (Council) identified the need to assess its records management practices and processes to compare them to current records and information management practices and the State Records Act 1998 (the Act). Recordkeeping Innovation was engaged to undertake a review of current records and information management practices.

Council's Records and Information Management Coordinator provided an overview of the key findings of the report provided by Recordkeeping Innovation to the Committee.

DISCUSSION:

The Committee discussed the following:

· The Committee queried if Council has any policies and procedures for "invisible" records such as WhatsApp. Council's Records and Information Management advised that Council's policies and procedures are currently being reviewed including standards and management of documents and information within Council's system.

· The Committee queried if Council has an Information Asset Register in place. Council's Director customer, Corporate Services and Economy advised that a draft Information Asset Register was created as part of the Records and Information Management Current State Assessment.

DECISION ARIC 028/23

That the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee:

1. Receive and note the draft Current State Assessment Report prepared by Record keeping Innovation.

.Carried

7.8 Internal Audit - Work Health and Safety Management System ISO 45001:2018 Conformance Audit

SUMMARY:

Parkes Shire Council established, implemented, and maintained a Work Health and Safety Management System ("WHSMS") that conforms with ISO45001:2018. Council's Work Health and Safety Officer (Lead Auditor), with assistance from Council's Education, Capability & Wellbeing Lead, conducted an internal audit to review the conformance to, and implementation of, Council's WHSMS against the requirements of ISO 45001 in May 2023.

A number of audit objectives were identified including:

1. Determine the level of conformance of the current Work Health and Safety Management System ("WHSMS") against requirements of ISO 45001:2018.

2. Determine the level of implementation of the WHSMS across the audited areas.

3. Identify improvement actions to facilitate movement towards the implementation of a WHSMS that mirrors the requirements of ISO 45001:2018.

Council's Manager People, Safety and Culture provided an overview of the conformance audit findings to the Committee.

DISCUSSION:

The Committee discussed the following:

· The Committee commented that SafeWork NSW's current focus is psychological stress and fatigue and the management of fatigue for Council staff is under review due to after-hours meetings such as Council meetings.

· Council's Manager People, Safety and Culture advised the Committee that Council has a Health and Wellness Program in place with strategies to manage psychological stress and fatigue.

· The Committee requested a report to be tabled to the ARIC outlining the Health and Wellness Program and the activities that Council is doing to address the psychological risks in the workplace.

DECISION ARIC 029/23

That the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee:

1. Receive and note the update provided on the Work Health and Safety Management System ISO 45001:2018 Conformance Audit undertaken in May 2023.

2. Receive a report outlining the Health and Wellness Program and the activities that Council is undertaking to address the psychological risks in the workplace.

Carried

7.9 Internal Audit - Progress Report on the Implementation of Internal Audit Program Actions

SUMMARY:

Schedule 2 of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Terms of Reference provides that the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (“the Committee”) is responsible for reviewing Council’s internal audit coverage and Internal Audit Plan and considering the adequacy of internal audit resources to carry out its responsibilities, including completion of the approved Internal Audit Plan.

An update was provided to the Committee on the implementation of Internal Audit Program actions.

DISCUSSION:

The Committee discussed the following:

· The Committee advised Council to review and triage the open actions as part of the Risk Register review workshops that will be undertaken with staff.

DECISION ARIC 030/23

That the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee:

1. Receive and note the update provided on the implementation of consolidated Internal Audit Program agreed actions.

Carried

7.10 External Audit - Progress Report on the Implementation of External Audit Program Actions

SUMMARY:

Schedule 2 of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Terms of Reference provides that the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (“the Committee”) is responsible for providing input and feedback on the financial statement and performance audit coverage proposed by external audit and provide feedback on the audit services provided, review all external plans and reports in respect of planned or completed audits and monitor Council’s implementation of audit recommendations, and providing advice to the Governing Body and General Manager on action taken on significant issues raised in relevant external audit reports and better practice guides.

An update was provided to the Committee on the implementation of External Audit Program actions.

DISCUSSION:

The Committee discussed the following:

· The Committee discussed the importance of avoiding repeat action items in external audits due to the potential to be raised in parliamentary reports.

· The Committee advised that they are satisfied with Council's process to action and close out external audits actions.

DECISION ARIC 031/23

That the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee:

1. Receive and note the update provided on the implementation of consolidated External Audit actions

.Carried

7.11 Financial - Chief Financial Officers Report

SUMMARY:

The Chief Finance Officer will be speaking to the 2022-23 financial results…

DISCUSSION:

The Committee discussed the following:

· The Committee queried if there was a loss on pools in the 2022-23 financial year.

Council's Chief Financial Officer confirmed the loss due to an increase in salaries.

· The Committee queried the impact of the depreciation of fixed assets over the next 2-3 years. Council's Chief Financial Officer advised that funds in the Water Fund (including the additional $3.5 million to be received per year from Northparkes Mine) is sufficient.

DECISION ARIC 032/23

That the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee:

1. Note the information provided.

.Carried

The Internal Auditor left the meeting at 1.00pm.

7.12 Financial - Financial Management and Governance in MidCoast Council Gap Analysis - Audit Office of New South Wales Report

SUMMARY:

The Audit Office of NSW conducted an audit to determine whether MidCoast Council has effective financial management arrangements that consider Councillors and management to fulfil their financial stewardship responsibilities.

A gap analysis was undertaken on Parkes Shire Council's (Council's) financial management and governance arrangements for the information of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

DISCUSSION:

The Committee discussed the following:

· The Committee informed Council that the Audit Office of NSW randomly selected MidCoast Council and that the report should be used as a blueprint as it outlines the expectations of the Audit Office of NSW.

· The Committee requested that a report is tabled at a Councillor Workshop for the information of Councillors.

DECISION ARIC 033/23

That the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee:

1. Receive and note the Gap Analysis undertaken by Council Officers regarding the Financial Management and Governance in MidCoast Council Report issued by the Audit Office of NSW.

2. A report is tabled at a future Councillor Workshop for the information of Councillors.

Carried

7.13 Service Review - State Library Assessment of Parkes Shire Library

SUMMARY:

Parkes Shire Library is reviewed on a three-yearly basis against its peers to ensure the Library continues to adapt for the community and meets best practice standards and guidelines.

A consultant from the NSW State Library undertook an assessment of the Parkes Shire library on 9 & 10 March 2023. This assessment was undertaken using the State Library's Living Learning Libraries: Standards and Guidelines for NSW Public Libraries document, analysis of the 2021-22 Parkes Shire Library collection and usage data, and discussions during the assessment visit.

A copy of the State Library Assessment report was provided for the information of the Committee.

DISCUSSION:

The Committee discussed the following:

· The Committee expressed that they were pleased to see a review on the Library and that the report was done well.

· The Committee queried how the recommendations from reports are tracked internally, and how the Committee has line of these actions.

· The Committee suggested that the good work by the Library team should be highlighted on social media by Council's Communications team.

DECISION ARIC 034/23

That the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee:

1. Receives the Parkes Shire Library Assessment Report, prepared by the State Library NSW.

Carried

7.14 Performance and Review - Chair's Report on Committee Performance

SUMMARY:

An Annual Report documenting the operation and activities of Council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) from its commencement date on 01 June 2022 to 30 June 2023 has been compiled for the information of the Committee.

DISCUSSION:

The Committee discussed the following:

· The Committee raised that moving forward, performance can be benchmarked against KPI's for the Committee as per the Office of Local Government's draft Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit for Local Government in NSW and Council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Charter, using an outcome-based assessment based on Committee maturity.

DECISION ARIC 035/23

That the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee:

1. Receive and note the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee 2022-23 Annual Report.

Carried

8 Report of Confidential Resolutions

Nil.

9 Conclusion of Meeting

The meeting concluded at 1.14pm.

This is the final page of the minutes comprising 16 pages numbered 1 to 16 of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting held on Thursday, 27 July 2023 and confirmed on Friday, 13 October 2023.

Stephen Horne

CHAIRPERSON

Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting Minutes

30 August 2023

Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting

Minutes

Wednesday 30 August 2023

Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting

Held on Wednesday, 30 August 2023 via

Microsoft Teams

Present:

Mr Stephen Horne Chairperson

Mr Tony Harb Member

Dr Meredith Caelli Member

Cr Jacob Cass Councillor (non-voting)

Cr Marg Applebee Councillor (Alternate, non-voting)

Council Officers in Attendance:

Mr Kent Boyd General Manager

Mr Anthony McGrath Director Customer, Corporate Services and Economy

Mr Jaco Barnard Chief Financial Officer

Mrs Mikaela Cass Manager Governance, Risk and Corporate Performance

Mr Luke Nash Financial Accountant

Miss Georgia Smith Business Services Trainee (Minutes Secretary)

Guests

Mr Paul Quealey Lambourne Partners (Internal Auditor)

NOTES

Councillor's Cass and Applebee attended via audio-visual link.

The meeting commenced at 9.05am and concluded at 10.00am.

Order Of Business

1 Opening of Meeting.. 4

2 Acknowledgement of Country. 4

3 Apologies. 4

4 Confirmation of Minutes. 4

4.1 Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting held on 27 July 2023. 4

5 Disclosures of Interests. 4

6 Late Business. 4

7 Officers' Reports. 5

7.1 Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2023. 5

8 Report of Confidential Resolutions. 6

9 Conclusion of Meeting.. 6

1 Opening of Meeting

The Chairperson declared the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting of Wednesday, 30 August 2023 open and welcomed Council Officials in attendance.

2 Acknowledgement of Country

The Chairperson read the following Acknowledgement of Country:

Parkes Shire Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Wiradjuri Country
and recognises and respects their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing connection with
the lands and rivers of the Parkes Shire.

Council pays its respects to Elders past, present and emerging and extends this respect to
all First Nations peoples in the Parkes Shire.

3 Apologies

Leanne Smith - INTENTUS Chartered Accountants.

4 Confirmation of Minutes

4.1 Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting held on 27 July 2023

Resolved ARIC 036/23

That the Committee receive and confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 27 July 2023 appended at Annexure A.

Carried

5 Disclosures of Interests

6 Late Business

The Chairperson advised that no late items of business had been submitted to the meeting.

7 Officers' Reports

7.1 Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2023

SUMMARY:

The Statements are a requirement of Section 413(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 (as amended) and the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting and form part of the Annual Financial reports.

In order to comply with Section 413(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 (as amended) and the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting, Council must prepare a statement on the General-Purpose Financial Statement (GPFS) and the Special Schedules as well as the Special Purpose Financial Statements (SPFS). The Statement then allows the accounts to be referred for audit.

Council has recorded a financial result in 2023 of $1,599,000 (subject to change during audit, details below) for the year as compared to $5,301,000 in 2022. Several factors have enabled council to achieve a positive operating result including increased grants and contributions for operating purposes, interest income and other revenues.

DISCUSSION:

The Committee discussed the following:

· The Committee congratulated the Finance team on the work put in to put together the Financial Statements.

· The Chief Financial Officer spoke to the report and informed the Committee of the following:

o The $2.9 million loss in Council's Water Fund won't be repeated in future years due to restructure of water charges.

· The Committee queried the following in relation to the Income Statement:

o Increase in Interest and investment income from 2022 to 2023. The Chief Financial Officer advised that this was due to increased interest rates.

o Increase in Materials and services. The Chief Financial Officer advised that this was due to the increase in costs of materials and works associated with storm damages, as well as outsourced services such as the pools and ICT.

o Variances of grants and contributions compared to budget. The Chief Financial Officer advised that this relates to the Safe and Secure Pipeline Duplication Project as the funds were budgeted for, but not yet received.

· The Committee queried the following in relation to the Statement of Comprehensive Income:

o Increase in gain on revaluation of infrastructure, property, plant and equipment. The Chief Financial Officer advised that the increase relates to the indexation of asset categories and revaluation of community land and buildings.

· The Committee queried the following in relation to the Statement of Financial Position:

o Increase in Receivables for the 2023 financial year. The Chief Financial Officer advised that this is due to unspent funds due to storm damages.

· The Committee queried the process in place to determine the Grant funding that Council applies for. The Chief Financial Officer advised that Council utilises the Capital Plan when applying for grants and Council's Executive Leadership Team (ELT) determine whether Council has the capability to deliver these projects utilising grant funds within a two-year period.

· The Committee queried the following in relation to B3-5 Other Expenses:

o Increase in receivables for the 2023 financial year. The Financial Accountant advised that this relates to the income accrual from Transport for NSW for outstanding storm damage funding not yet received by council at YE.

o Council's Financial Accountant raised the significant work undertaken by Council's Rates team to reduce doubtful debts equalling $33,000.

· The Committee identified a transposition error on page 54 of the Business Paper under Capital grants and contributions. Council's Financial Accountant advised that this error has been amended.

· The Committee queried if Council has received communication from Ministers regarding the Rural Fire Service funding. The General Manager advised that he and the Mayor met with Ministers in Sydney and that it seems unlikely that changes will be made to the Rural Fire Services Act 1994 (NSW) in relation to equipment purchases.

· The Committee queried why there are no graphic to visually represent performance measure ratios and explanation of risks. The Chief Financial Officer advised that the graphics are provided in the final Financial Statements.

· The Committee queried if Council utilises other measures or metrics to identify problems that could be presented to the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee. The Chief Financial Officer advised that Council prepares monthly reports to Council as well as Directors to track progress against the budget.

· The Committee commended the Finance Team on their great work with this report.

Resolved ARIC 037/23

That the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee:

1. Receive and note the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2023

.Carried

8 Report of Confidential Resolutions

Nil

9 Conclusion of Meeting

The meeting concluded at 10.00am.

This is the final page of the minutes comprising 6 pages numbered 1 to 6 of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting held on Wednesday, 30 August 2023 and confirmed on Friday, 13 October 2023.

CHAIRPERSON

Community, Liveability and Access Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

6 June 2023

Community, Liveability and Access Advisory Committee Meeting

Minutes

Tuesday 6 June 2023

Minutes of the Community, Liveability and Access Advisory Committee Meeting

Held on Tuesday, 6 June 2023 at the

Parkes Committee Room, 2 Cecile Street, Parkes

Present:

Cr Ken Keith Mayor

Cr Marg Applebee (Chair) Councillor

Cr Ken McGrath Councillor

Cr William Jayet Councillor

Cr Ken McGrath Councillor

Mr Michael Anderson

Mr Jeff Evans

Council Officers in Attendance:

Mr Brendan Hayes Director Planning and Community Services

Ms Kerryn Jones Manager Culture, Education and Library Services

Mrs Sharyn Ware Minutes Secretary

Apology:

Mrs Lyn McLeod

NOTES

Cr Ken Keith attended via audio-visual link.

The meeting commenced at 10am and concluded at 11.30am.

Order Of Business

1 Opening of Meeting.. 4

2 Acknowledgement of Country. 4

3 Apologies. 4

4 Confirmation of Minutes. 4

4.1 Minutes of the Community, Liveability and Access Advisory Committee Meeting held on 7 March 2023. 4

5 Disclosures of Interests. 4

6 Late Business. 4

7 Officers' Reports. 5

7.1 CEL Services Manager Report 5

7.2 Liveability Strategy. 5

7.3 Accessibilty Report 5

7.4 Middleton Master Plan. 5

7.5 Western Entry Master Plan. 5

8 Report of Confidential Resolutions. 6

9 Conclusion of Meeting.. 6

1 Opening of Meeting

The Chairperson declared the Community, Liveability and Access Advisory Committee Meeting of Tuesday, 6 June 2023 open and welcomed Council Officials in attendance.

2 Acknowledgement of Country

The Chairperson read the following Acknowledgement of Country:

Parkes Shire Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Wiradjuri Country
and recognises and respects their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing connection with
the lands and rivers of the Parkes Shire.

Council pays its respects to Elders past, present and emerging and extends this respect to
all First Nations peoples in the Parkes Shire.

3 Apologies

Mrs Lyn McLeod

4 Confirmation of Minutes

At this time Cr McGrath indicated his resignation from the Committee.

4.1 Minutes of the Community, Liveability and Access Advisory Committee Meeting held on 7 March 2023

Recommendation

That Jeff Evans and Cr Pratt receive and confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 7 March 2023 appended at Annexure A.

5 Disclosures of Interests

Nil interests were disclosed.

6 Late Business

The Chairperson advised that no late items of business had been submitted to the meeting.

7 Officers' Reports

7.1 CEL Services Manager Report

Recommendation

That the Community, Liveability and Access Advisory Committee:

Accept this report as a summary of operations of the Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre from 1 January - 30 May 2023.

7.2 Liveability Strategy

Recommendation

That the Community, Liveability and Access Advisory Committee:

1. Receive and Note the Information

7.3 Accessibilty Report

Recommendation

That the Community, Liveability and Access Advisory Committee:

1. Information be received and noted

7.4 Middleton Master Plan

Recommendation

That the Community, Liveability and Access Advisory Committee:

1. Receive and note the information

7.5 Western Entry Master Plan

Recommendation

That the Community, Liveability and Access Advisory Committee:

1. Receive and note the Information

8 Report of Confidential Resolutions

9 Conclusion of Meeting

The meeting concluded at 11.30am

This is the final page of the minutes comprising 6 pages numbered 1 to 6 of the Community, Liveability and Access Advisory Committee Meeting held on Tuesday, 6 June 2023 and confirmed on Tuesday, 5 September 2023.

CHAIRPERSON

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

19 September 2023

Tourism, Destination and Events Advisory Committee Meeting

Minutes

Tuesday 12 September 2023

Minutes of the Tourism, Destination and Events Advisory Committee Meeting

Held on Tuesday, 12 September 2023 at the

Parkes Council Chamber, 2 Cecile Street, Parkes

Present:

Cr Marg Applebee Councillor

Cr Jacob Cass Councillor

Cr William Jayet Councillor

Mr Dave Chambers External Member

Mr Gary Crowley External Member

Ms Michelle Roberts External Member

Cr Ken Keith OAM Mayor (Ex Officio Member)

Council Officers in Attendance:

Anthony McGrath Director Customer, Corporate Services & Economy

Carrie Olsen Executive Manager Economy, Destination and Activation

Rochelle Livingstone Events and Festivals Specialist

Lisa Moon Visitor Services and Promotion Lead

Katie Nash Economic Development Specialist

Julien Poulson Festivals Producer

Megan Morrison Events Officer

Charlotte Lerpiniere Event Sponsorship & Attraction Officer

Hayley Roach Events Officer (Trundle ABBA Festival)

NOTES

Cr Neil Westcott attended via audio-visual link.

The meeting commenced at 12:00 pm and concluded at 1:57 pm.

1 Opening of Meeting

The Chairperson, Cr Jacob Cass declared the Tourism, Destination and Events Advisory Committee Meeting of Tuesday, 12 September 2023 open and welcomed Council Officials in attendance.

2 Acknowledgement of Country

The Chairperson read the following Acknowledgement of Country:

Parkes Shire Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Wiradjuri Country
and recognises and respects their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing connection with
the lands and rivers of the Parkes Shire.

Council pays its respects to Elders past, present and emerging and extends this respect to
all First Nations peoples in the Parkes Shire.

3 Apologies

Nil

4 Confirmation of Minutes

4.1 Minutes of the Tourism, Destination and Events Advisory Committee Meeting held on 7 March 2023

Resolved TDE 011/23

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr Marg Applebee

That the Committee receive and confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 7 March 2023 appended at Annexure A.

Carried

5 Disclosures of Interests

Nil interests were disclosed.

6 Late Business

The Chairperson advised that no late items of business had been submitted to the meeting.

7 Officers' Reports

7.1 Parkes Elvis Festival 2024 Planning update

Resolved TDE 012/23

Moved: Cr Marg Applebee

Seconded: Ms Michelle Roberts

Recommendation

That the Tourism, Destination and Events Advisory Committee:

1. Receive and note the project update, as detailed in this report.

Guidance or ADVICE Provided:

· Events team to determine a suitable event replacement for the Miss Pricilla dinner event.

· Events team to review music capabilities for the North Parkes Mines Street Parade.

· Events team to maintain the location of the Memphis Stage and identify suitable shade and cooling for attendees.

Carried

7.2 Trundle ABBA Festival 2023 - Festival Planning Update

Resolved TDE 013/23

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr Marg Applebee

Recommendation

That the Tourism, Destination and Events Advisory Committee:

1. Receive and note the project update, as detailed in this report.

Guidance or ADVICE Provided:

Positioning of Food Trucks within the Festival boundary

· Events team to review the location of food vendors, with a preference to be inside the festival boundary.

Carried

7.3 Development of Major Events and Festivals Strategy

Resolved TDE 014/23

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Ms Michelle Roberts

Recommendation

That the Tourism, Destination and Events Advisory Committee:

1. Receive and note the briefing on the development of the Major Events and Festivals Strategy, as detailed in this report.

Carried

7.4 Gates of Graceland at Parkes

Resolved TDE 015/23

Moved: Mr Gary Crowley

Seconded: Cr Neil Westcott

Recommendation

That the Tourism, Destination and Events Advisory Committee:

1. Receive and note the project update, as detailed in this report.

Carried

7.5 Destination Customer Profile Project

Resolved TDE 016/23

Moved: Cr Marg Applebee

Seconded: Mr Gary Crowley

Recommendation

That the Tourism, Destination and Events Advisory Committee:

1. Receive and note the briefing on the development of the Destination Customer Profiles as detailed in this report.

Carried

7.6 Central West NSW Regional Visitor Statistics 2022

Resolved TDE 017/23

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Cr Ken Keith OAM

Recommendation

That the Tourism, Destination and Events Advisory Committee:

1. Receive and note the Central West NSW regional visitor statistics for 2022, as detailed in this report

.Carried

7.7 Development of Parkes Regional Entertainment and Cultural Centre Feasibility Study

Resolved TDE 018/23

Moved: Mr Gary Crowley

Seconded: Cr William Jayet

Recommendation

That the Tourism, Destination and Events Advisory Committee:

1. Receive and note the Central West NSW regional visitor statistics for 2022, as detailed in this report.

Carried

At 1:45 pm, Cr Neil Westcott left the meeting.

7.8 Development of the Parkes Shire Destination Management Plan and Bypass Strategy

Resolved TDE 019/23

Moved: Cr Marg Applebee

Seconded: Cr William Jayet

That the Tourism, Destination and Events Advisory Committee:

1. Receive and note the briefing on the development of the Parkes Regional Entertainment and Cultural Centre Feasibility Study, as detailed in this report.

Carried

7.9 Development of Parkes Shire Signage and Wayfinding Strategy

Resolved TDE 020/23

Moved: Cr William Jayet

Seconded: Mr Gary Crowley

That the Tourism, Destination and Events Advisory Committee:

1. Receive and note the briefing on the development of the Parkes Shire Signage and Wayfinding Strategy, as detailed in this report.

Carried

8 Report of Confidential Resolutions

9 General business

9.1 Division of Tourism and Events to form two separate Advisory Committees

Discussion was held regarding the potential of separating the committee into two separate committees, Tourism and Events.

It was decided that the committee structure would remain unchanged until the September 2024 Council elections, where further discussion could resume.

10 Conclusion of Meeting

The meeting concluded at 1:57 pm.

This is the final page of the minutes comprising 8 pages numbered 1 to 8 of the Tourism, Destination and Events Advisory Committee Meeting held on Tuesday, 12 September 2023 and confirmed on .

CHAIRPERSON

10.8 Minutes of the Wiradjuri Elders Advisory Committee Meeting held on 22 August 2023

IP&R Linkage: Pillar: Leadership

Goal: Our local government is open, accountable and transparent.

Strategy: Provide open and transparent decision-making and undertake the civic duties of Council with professionalism and integrity.

Author: Brendan Hayes, Director Planning and Community Services

Authoriser: Brendan Hayes, Director Planning and Community Services

Annexures: A. Wiradjuri Elders Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes - 22 August 2023

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Receive and confirm the Minutes of the Wiradjuri Elders Advisory Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 22 August 2023 appended at Annexure A.

Wiradjuri Elders Advisory Committee Minutes

22 August 2023

Wiradjuri Elders Advisory Committee

Minutes

Tuesday 22 August 2023

Minutes of the Wiradjuri Elders Advisory Committee

Held on Tuesday, 22 August 2023 at the

The Carrington, 67 Caswell Street Peak Hill NSW 2869

Present:

Cr Louise O'Leary Councillor (Chairperson)

Cr Marg Applebee Councillor

Mr Michael Anderson Aboriginal Project Officer

Frances Robinson

Judi Bell

Megan Jones

Pat Oliver

Belinda Stevenson

Gail Smith

Ronda Sharpe

Lloyd Keed

Gillian Keed

Dave Nader

Dave Towney

Rhonda Towney

Irene Ridgeway

Toni Bell

Council Officers in Attendance:

Ms Kerryn Jones Manager Culture, Education and Library Services

Mr Brendan Hayes Director Planning & Community Services

NOTES

The meeting commenced at 11.00am and concluded at 12.20pm.

Order Of Business

1 Opening of Meeting.. 4

2 Acknowledgement of Country. 4

3 Apologies. 4

4 Confirmation of Minutes. 4

4.1 Minutes of the Wiradjuri Elders Advisory Committee held on 4 April 2023. 4

5 Disclosures of Interests. 5

6 Late Business. 5

7 Officers' Reports. 5

7.1 Presentation by AVID Advisory - Livability Strategy Survey. 6

7.2 Aboriginal Project Officers Report 6

7.3 Bushmans Hill Master Plan. 7

8 Report of Confidential Resolutions. 7

9 Conclusion of Meeting.. 7

1 Opening of Meeting

The Chairperson declared the Wiradjuri Elders Advisory Committee of Tuesday, 22 August 2023 open and welcomed Council Officials in attendance.

2 Acknowledgement of Country

The Chairperson read the following Acknowledgement of Country:

Parkes Shire Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Wiradjuri Country
and recognises and respects their cultural heritage, beliefs, and continuing connection with
the lands and rivers of the Parkes Shire.

Council pays its respects to Elders past, present and emerging and extends this respect to
all First Nations peoples in the Parkes Shire.

3 Apologies

Cr Jacob Cass Councillor

Cr Ken McGrath Councillor

Pam Keed

Chris Peckham

Vi West

Geoff Anderson

Robert Clegg

4 Confirmation of Minutes

· Frances Robinson sought clarification of responsibilities of the Wiradjuri Elders Advisory Committee

· Rhonda Towney sought clarification of who has responsibilities for Welcome to Country; Acknowledgement of Country to be attached to minutes for clarification for next meeting.

4.1 Minutes of the Wiradjuri Elders Advisory Committee held on 4 April 2023

Resolved WEA 003/23

Moved: Pat Oliver

Seconded: Gail Smith

That the committee receive and confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 4 April 2023 appended at Annexure A.

Carried

5 Disclosures of Interests

Nil

6 Late Business

The Chairperson advised that the following late items of business had been submitted by Council Officers and invited a motion to enable the addition of the late items to the meeting agenda.

· Redevelopment of the old Parkes hospital site - Pat Oliver asked about a plaque to be placed on the redevelopment site regarding a battle that took place there. The site is Crown Land. Investigation of any records at Council of decisions made regarding this plaque.

· Wiradjuri signage coming into the Shire - Artwork on the signage features a goanna as totem but needs to be the clan totem for Peak Hill. Signage is currently under review.

RECOMMENDATION That the Peak Hill Aboriginal community in conjunction with the Signage Strategy is consulted as to what image is featured on the signage into Peak Hill

Moved: Frances Robinson

Seconded: Belinda Stevenson

· Parkes By-Pass signage and Visitors to Peak Hill - Parkes By-pass for completion in early 2025 there is an opportunity for Peak Hill to capture visitors coming along the highway. Additional signage to encourage visitors to stop in Peak Hill with cultural opportunities. Frances raised an issue of potable water to be placed on the common area. Action: Brendan will take back to Engineers.

· Australia Day Committee events - Australia/Invasion Day committee are understanding that this is not an inclusive event for all residents in Peak Hill community. Cr O'Leary asked whether an event was held on the evening before to commemorate being Australian. Judi proposed that it is culturally relevant and driven by local community. Requiring more consultation. Cr O'Leary will take it back to the committee.

7 Officers' Reports

7.1 Megan Jones - Summary of results of the Parkes Liveability Survey

Liveability issues raised during the presentation:

· Issues about the collection of firewood from the side of the road as an issue and what activities there were for children to do in Peak Hill.

· Issue of curb and guttering in Peak Hill

· The Peak Hill community is beginning to address the issue of childcare alongside the preschool.

· Lighting of the skate park facility in Peak Hill.

· Empty shops owned by investors who don’t live in the local area.

· Public toilets in Big W in Parkes closed - can this be addressed as to whether it was a requirement of operation?

7.1 Presentation by AVID Advisory - Livability Strategy Survey

Resolved WEA 004/23

Moved: Michael Anderson

Seconded: Cr Louise O'Leary

That the Wiradjuri Elders Advisory Committee:

1. Note the presentation from AVID Advisory.

Carried

7.2 Michael Anderson - APO Report

Confirmation of Aboriginality does not go through the Lands Council. Query as to where this is done. This is an ongoing issue across the board that needs to be looked into. Clarification required as to who is responsible and can provide advice.

During the Aboriginal Project Officer's Report Michael Anderson raised the issue of the need for an information Session about The Voice referendum. Concerns were raised about the potential divisive nature of an information session and also of the misinformation within the community.

RECOMMENDATION That Parkes Shire Council organise a community information session regarding the referendum, particularly in regard to the referendum process and Constitutional amendment.

Moved: Frances Robinson

Seconded: Michael Anderson

7.2 Aboriginal Project Officers Report

Resolved WEA 005/23

Moved: Cr Louise O'Leary

Seconded: Dave Towney

That the Wiradjuri Elders Advisory Committee:

1. Receive and note the information in the report.

Carried

7.3 Bushman's Hill Master Plan

RECOMMENDATION Parkes Shire Council to review the existing Bushman's Hill masterplan, the development of an updated masterplan and seek grant funding for the plan.

Moved: Ronda Sharpe

Seconded: Pat Oliver

7.3 Bushmans Hill Master Plan

Resolved WEA 006/23

Moved: Dave Towney

Seconded: Cr Marg Applebee

That the Wiradjuri Elders Advisory Committee:

1. For Committees' advice

Carried

8 Report of Confidential Resolutions

9 Conclusion of Meeting

The meeting concluded at 12.20pm

This is the final page of the minutes comprising 7 pages numbered 1 to 7 of the Wiradjuri Elders Advisory Committee held on Tuesday, 22 August 2023 and confirmed on Tuesday, 5 September 2023.

Louise O'Leary

CHAIRPERSON

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

19 September 2023

11 Reports of the General Manager

11.1 Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor

IP&R Linkage: Pillar: Leadership

Goal: Our local government is open, accountable, and representative.

Strategy: Provide open and transparent decision-making and undertake the civic duties of Council with professionalism and integrity.

Author: Anthony McGrath, Director Customer, Corporate Services and Economy

Authoriser: Kent Boyd PSM, General Manager

Annexures: A. Office of Local Government - Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor Fact Sheet ⇩

B. Memo to Councillors - Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor Nomination Forms ⇩

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Note the information on the process for the election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor to be held at the 19 September 2023 Council meeting.

2. Elect a Deputy Mayor for the same term as the Mayor (i.e. through to the next local government election).

3. Adopt the Ordinary Ballot system of voting if an election is required for the position of Mayor or Deputy Mayor.

Background

The Local Government Act provides that when a Mayor is not (popularly) elected by voters at a general election, Councils are to elect a Mayor from their number on a bi-annual basis in the month of September (Section 290). Councils may also elect a Deputy Mayor from their number for the same or lesser term as the Mayor (Section 231). The Deputy Mayor may exercise any functions of the Mayor at the request of the Mayor or if the Mayor is prevented by illness, absence or otherwise from exercising the functions of his/her Office. It is customary to elect a Deputy Mayor who is appointed for the same term as the Mayor.

ISSUES AND COMMENTARY

The election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the period from 19 September 2023 through to the next local government elections (scheduled for 14 September 2024), will take place at the ordinary meeting of Parkes Shire Council scheduled for Tuesday 19 September 2023.

A summary of the election procedure is listed below for the information of Councillors. This information is detailed in the Office of Local Government's "Fact Sheet - Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor" ("Fact Sheet") included as Annexure A. The Fact Sheet provides more details of the process and includes an extract of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005.

Summary of Election Process

Prior to Election

· A nomination for the Office of Mayor or Deputy Mayor is to be made in writing by two or more Councillors (one of whom may be the nominee). The nomination is not valid unless the nominee has indicated consent to the nomination in writing. To assist Councillors nomination requisite forms are attached to this report at Annexure B and will be distributed at this meeting.

· The General Manager or a person appointed by the General Manager is the Returning Officer. The General Manager has appointed Anthony McGrath Director Customer, Corporate Services and Economy as the Returning Officer for this election. Nominations are to be delivered or sent to the Returning Officer prior to the commencement of the 19 September 2023 Council meeting.

Election Day

The General Manager will take the Chair for the meeting and will hand over to the Returning Officer to conduct the election at the appropriate time. If any procedural matters are required with reference to Council’s Code of Meeting Practice (such as the need for a short adjournment etc) during the election process, the General Manager will carry out those requirements “From the Chair”.

The Election

· The Returning Officer will call for further nominations without notice. If a nomination without notice is made, it must be accepted in writing by the nominee to be valid. The nomination is to be given to the Returning Officer. Additional Nomination forms will be on hand at the meeting if required.

· If no further nominations without notice are received, the Returning Officer will read out the nominations received.

· If only one Councillor is nominated, that Councillor is elected. If more than one Councillor is nominated, the Council resolution relating to the method of voting will apply. The Council will have resolved whether the election is to proceed by:

a) Preferential Ballot

b) Ordinary Ballot

c) Open Voting (show of hands)

· Councillors can participate in mayoral elections using an open voting method by audio visual link but not if either of the other two methods of election are used. That is, if the council elects to conduct the election by either of the secrete methods, those on audio-visual links will not be able to participate in the election.

· Ordinary and preferential ballots are secret ballots and Councillors will need to attend the meeting in person to vote if using either of these methods.

· If the method is by preferential or ordinary ballot, it shall be by secret vote. Traditionally Council has adopted the ordinary ballot process for elections. For a detailed explanation of the different methods of voting, please refer to Annexure A.

Under the ordinary ballot System, the election is carried out as follows:

· The Returning Officer is to decide the way votes are to be marked on the ballot-papers. If the ordinary ballot system is chosen, Councillors are asked to carefully read and follow the instructions on the ballot paper to avoid informality.

· If there are only two candidates, the candidate with the higher number of votes is elected.

· If there are three or more candidates, the one with the lowest number of votes is to be excluded. (The legislation attempts to bring the vote back to a contest between two candidates. Thus, the requirement is to exclude the candidate with the lowest number of votes If there are three or more candidates).

· If after the first exclusion three or more candidates then remain, a further vote is to be taken of those candidates and the one with the lowest number of votes from that further vote is to be excluded. If, after that, three or more candidates remain, separate ballots continue until only two candidates remain.

· When only two candidates remain, election of the candidate is in accordance with the procedure mentioned above for two candidates.

· If at any stage during a count where there are three or more candidates and two (or more) candidates are tied on the lowest number of votes, the one excluded is to be chosen by lot.

For a detailed explanation of preferential voting, refer Annexure A.

The formality of a ballot paper under this provision is to be determined in accordance with the Regulation. As mentioned above Councillors are requested to carefully read the instructions on any ballot paper to avoid the chance of informality. If a vote is declared informal by the Returning Officer, it is set aside and cannot be used in the count.

At any stage that a ballot is required, ballot papers will be prepared and distributed to Councillors for marking:

· Upon completion of marking of the ballot papers by Councillors, the ballot papers will be collected on behalf of the Returning Officer and the votes will be counted.

· When the ballot or ballots, as required pursuant to the provisions of the Regulation, have been completed and a result obtained, the Returning Officer will announce the results to the meeting.

The Returning Officer’s declaration finalises the election for the position.

Tied Candidates

· If, on any count of votes, there are two candidates in, or remaining in, the election and the numbers of votes cast for the two candidates are equal the candidate whose name is first chosen by lot is taken to have received an absolute majority of votes and is therefore taken to be elected.

· If, on any count of votes, there are three or more candidates in, or remaining in, the election and the numbers of votes cast for two or more candidates are equal and those candidates are the ones with the lowest number of votes on the count of the votes the candidate whose name is first chosen by lot is taken to have the lowest number of votes and is therefore excluded.

Choosing by lot

To choose a candidate by lot, the names of the candidates who have equal numbers of votes are written on similar slips of paper by the Returning Officer, the slips are folded to prevent the names being seen, the slips are mixed and one is drawn at random by the Returning Officer and the candidate whose name is on the drawn slip is chosen.

Election of Deputy Mayor

· The nomination and election of the Deputy Mayor is carried out in the same manner as the nomination and election of the Mayor.

Legislative and Policy Context

The NSW local government Acts and Regulations that are applicable to the election process are as follows:

Local Government Act, 1993 Section 231 Provision to elect a Deputy Mayor

Local Government Act, 1993 Section 290 Provision for Election of Mayor

Local Government General Regulation 2005 (Schedule 7) Procedure to Elect

Local Government (General Regulation) 2005 Clause 394 Power to elect

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications for Council associated with this Report.

Risk Implications

Following the process as described in this report ensures that Council meets its compliance requirements under the Local Government Act.

Community Consultation

There are no community consultation requirements for Council associated with the Report.

Conclusion

The election of the Mayor and Deput Mayor will take place at the Ordinary Meeting of Council to be held on 19 September. This report outlines the election method and process, and recommends that Council choose a method of voting, should an election for the position of Mayor or Deputy Mayor be required.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

19 September 2023

11.2 Forty Years of Service to Parkes Shire by Mayor Ken Keith OAM

IP&R Linkage: Pillar: Leadership

Goal: Our local government is open, accountable, and representative.

Strategy: Advocate and provide strong representation for our community at the regional, state, and federal levels.

Author: Kent Boyd PSM, General Manager

Authoriser: Kent Boyd PSM, General Manager

Annexures: Nil

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Acknowledge the significant contribution of Mayor Ken Keith OAM to the Parkes Shire Community.

Background

At the Ordinary Meeting held on 15 August 2023, the Mayor advised the Council, its Staff and the wider Parkes Shire community of his intention to stand down and not nominate for the role of Mayor at the election to be held at the September Ordinary Meeting. This was to ensure that a smooth transition to a new leadership team could occur.

In September of this year, it will be Mayor Ken Keith's 40th consecutive year serving the Parkes Shire Council and Parkes Shire communities. He will conclude his 17th year as Mayor at the Ordinary Meeting on 19 September 2023, after having previously served 17 years as the Deputy Mayor to the late Robert Wilson OAM.

This report attempts to chronical some of the many highlights and achievements the Mayor has received over the years of service to the community.

ISSUES AND COMMENTARY

Mr Keith's contribution to Local Government, the community of Parkes Shire and the wider regional area as a long serving and dedicated Councillor, Deputy Mayor and Mayor of the Parkes Shire Council has spanned a period of 40 years. The Parkes Shire community has come to know and respect Ken as a man of impeccable character and a staunch family man who is actively involved in his community, while still promoting all the Shire of Parkes. Ken has continually encouraged Parkes Shire Council to remain non-political, considering issues on their merit and reaching consensus in a harmonious manner.

Community Achievements

Ken was born in Parkes March 1955 and educated at Yanco Agricultural High School followed by the University of Sydney, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, specialising in agricultural education. He taught at Forbes High School and Windsor High School before returning home to the family farm.

Ken is married to Susan and they have three sons Max, James and Douglas. He and Susan are now the proud grandparents of 4 grandchildren.

Early involvement in Rotaract and the Parkes Centenary Committee in 1988 fostered a genuine interest for Ken in the future of Parkes Shire and its community. Ken has continually been an active Councillor committed to the progress and development of all centres in the Shire. First elected to Parkes Shire Council 40 years ago in 1983 and having served 4 years as a Councillor, he was elected as Deputy Mayor in 1987. He served 17 years as Deputy Mayor before elected Mayor in 2008, where he has been re-elected as Mayor for a further 17 years.

Ken can always be relied upon to assist local community groups or organisations in working bees, endorsing projects, or seeking avenues that may assist or promote their pursuit or project. Always keen to support and promote community flagship events Ken as Mayor, can often be found dressed as Elvis welcoming visitors to the renowned Parkes Elvis Festival, head to toe in green welcoming visitors to the Tullamore Irish Festival or donning a blonde wig and dying his beard as Benny Bjorn at the Trundle ABBA Festival.

Ken has always been an active sportsman and has dedicated much of his time to coaching and officiating cricket and soccer at both junior and senior levels.

Ken has held many positions as a Councillor delegate. As Mayor he is also ex-officio to all Council Committees

A summary of those positions is listed below:

· Parkes Shire Economic Development Committee (Chairman)

· Senior Staff Committee (Now known as General Managers Performance Review Panel) (Chairman)

· Parkes Shire Council Plant Procurement and Replacement Committee

· North Parkes Oval Development Steering Committee

· Henry Parkes Centre Management Committee (Chairman)

· Music and Art Committee

· Moat Cottage Development Committee Parkes Pool Planning Committee

· Parkes Shire Library Committee

· Parkes Sports Infrastructure and Advisory Committee (Chair)

· Parkes Shire Tourism Board (Chairman)

· Parkes Sports Council (Councillor Representative)

· Parkes Early Childhood Centre Committee (Patron and Life member

· Wiradjuri Elders Advisory Council

· Arts Advisory Council

· Community Financial Assistance Program Evaluation Panel

· Community Liveability and Access Advisory Committee

· Economy, Innovation and Investment Advisory Committee

· Floodplain Management Committee

· Parkes shire Arts Advisory Committee

· Road and Place naming Committee

· Rural Roads Advisory Committee

· Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee

· Tourism, Destination and Major Events Advisory Committee

· Waste Advisory Committee

· Youth Advisory Committee

Other Community/Committee Involvement:

· Parkes PA & H Association (Life Member and Patron)

· Parkes PA & H Association - Show Committee (Country Exhibit Chief Steward for 40 years)

· Trustee of Parkes Showground Trust

· Tichborne/Nelungaloo Landcare Group

· NSW Rural Fire Service Volunteer for past 40 years

· NSW Farmers Assoc - Parkes Branch (Member)

· Parkes Australia Day Committee (Member)

· Parkes & District Junior Soccer Association (Coach and Referee)

· Lachlan Soccer (Manager and Coach)

· Parkes & District Junior Cricket Association (Coach and Umpire)

· Parkes 125th Anniversary Committee (Chair)

· Elvis Festival Organising Committee

· Parkes Men's Shed Committee

· Parkes Youth Committee

· Peak Hill Open Cut Experience Committee

· East Timor Friendship (In association with the Peak Hill Uniting Church - Koinonia Fellowship Peak Hill)

· Bogan Gate Community Association

· Centre for Employment, Training & Economic Development (Central West) Inc

· Bogan Gate Community Reserve (Trustee)

· Country Children's Services Association - Executive

· Ronald McDonald House and Central West Lodge Charities (Orange)

· Royal Agricultural Show - Western Districts Exhibit

· Parkes Centenary Committee Parkes Bicentennial Committee (Chair)

· Parkes Showground Land Managers Committee

· Torch Relay Organising Committee (Chair)

Regional Achievements

Ken's stance on a wide variety of issues of district relevance to rural and regional Australia earns him widespread respect and admiration, serving as a past Centroc Chairman, E Division Representative, Bells Line Expressway Group member and the Local Government and Shires representative to the Roads and Transport Directorate. Ken embraces a regional approach enthusiastically promoting the concept of sustainable communities in rural and regional NSW and regional co-operation to achieve the best outcomes for the community.

He was asked by the Minister to be a member of the Regional Health Advisory Planning Panel charged with advising the Minister for Regional Health on the:

· Development and implementation of the NSW Regional Health Plan;

· Opportunities for clinician and community input in setting direction and policy;

· Identification of barriers and incentives to attract non-rural health workers to regional areas;

· Strategies to improve access to health and social services, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Since becoming Mayor Ken has also been actively involved with the Country Mayors Association being on The Executive Board, and the immediate past President, advocating and lobbying on relevant state and national issues for commitment to programs that deliver real benefit to rural and regional NSW residents such as targeted skills and training to meet employment needs or regional NSW, delivery of health services, water security, affordable housing, telecommunication blackspot coverage, increased road funding and disaster preparedness.

Ken has held a number of positions either as a Councillor delegate or board member to organisations at a regional or state level. A summary of those positions is listed below;

· Central West Regional Organisation of Councils (CENTROC) – Now known as Central NSW Joint Organisation of Councils - Past Chair for two terms and on current Executive Board

· Local Government & Shires Association - E Division of Councils

· Country Mayors Association – Immediate Past President and Executive Board

· IPWEA Roads and Transport Directorate

· Parkes/Forbes/Lachlan/Weddin Alliance (aka Mid Lachlan Alliance) Medical Workforce Shortage Strategy Committee

· Bells Line Expressway Group

· NSW Local Government GAS Advisory Committee

· Lachlan Region Tourist Association

· Newell Highway Taskforce (Chair)

· Lachlan Health Council

· Lachlan Valley Health Collaborative Care Working Group (Chair)

· Lachlan Airspace Reference Panel

· Western Regional Planning Panel

· Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel

· Central NSW JO councils - Lachlan and Macquarie Regional Water Strategies

· CNSW-ITG - Central NSW Integrated Transport Group (Chair)

· Central West Lachlan Landcare

Ken is heavily involved in a number of community committee's and pursuits at a regional or State level:

· Director on the Board for Life Education NSW.

· For many years Ken has been actively involved in promoting and participating in a major initiative to encourage reading and highlight the importance of early learning. The Paint the Town REaD Committee headed up by the local school Principals, commenced in 1996 and has grown to such an extent that it now operates in towns across Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales.

· Parkes & District Landcare Management Committee

Innovation at a State or National Level

Ken has always been involved and is totally committed in the promotion of Inland Rail as vital infrastructure for the long-term prosperity of Australia. A staunch supporter and promoter for this Nation Building Project and the development of a National freight and Supply Chain Strategy creating a corridor of commerce, bringing to regional Australia sustainable quality jobs whilst removing freight from the road network to alleviate congestion Ken as Mayor of Parkes Shire Council hosted 2 Inland Rail Symposiums held in 2012 and 2018.

Ken has sat as the Chair of Newell Highway Taskforce since 2010. The Taskforce was established in 2009 as a fundamental step in a united campaign for the upgrade of the State's longest highway and the nation's most important motoring corridor. In its 14 year lifespan the Taskforce has evolved as an effective and respected lobby group with the capacity to co-ordinate the interests of industry groups in generating increased recognition of the Newell Highway's strategic importance to the transport and tourism sectors.

Ken is also a supporter of the Koinonia Fellowship Peak Hill within the Uniting Church in Australia. Over the years this Fellowship has sent work teams to East Timor to assist and support various communities throughout that nation. In 2002 Ken on behalf of the Parkes Shire community signed a Friendship Agreement with the Chief and Village Council of Weberek. Since then, Ken has assisted the Fellowship in organising the supply of new roofing for the entire village of 120 houses. He has also been involved in the upgrade of the local Weberek Pre-school, the installation of a solar bore pump and the training of Weberek villagers in the removal and replacement of the roofs. Besides physically visiting Weberek to participate in the work teams, Ken's efforts to raise funds by swimming a lap of the Parkes Olympic pool for every house in Weberek to raise funds for the roof replacement program was an inspiration to the Parkes Community which responded through the donation of almost $30,000 to this cause.

Awards

Noteworthy awards Ken has received include:

· Olympic Torch Bearer

· Country Children Services Association (CCSA) Colleen Gale Award

· Paul Harris Fellow - Parkes Rotary Club

· Parkes Shire Citizen of the Year 1988

· Local Government and Shires Association Long Service Award

· Centenary Medal 2001

· Life Member of Parkes Sports Council

· Life Member of Middleton Primary School P&C Assoc

· Board Member - Life Education NSW

· Parkes Early Childhood Centre (Patron and former Chair)

· Order of Australia Medal – 2014 Queens Birthday Honours List

Legislative and Policy Context

There are no legislative or policy considerations associated with this report.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications associated with this report.

Risk Implications

There are no identified risks that need to be considered with this report.

Community Consultation

There is no community consultation required for this report.

Conclusion

This report attempts to highlight a lifetime of service, dedication, promotion and achievement by Mayor Ken Keith OAM, for the Parkes Shire Community at a local, regional, state and national level, which has spanned an amazing forty-year career as a Councillor, Deputy Mayor and Mayor at Parkes Shire Council.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

19 September 2023

12 Reports of the Director Customer, Corporate Services and Economy

12.1 Pecuniary Interest Returns for Councillors and Designated Persons for the period 01 July 2022 to 30 June 2023

IP&R Linkage: Pillar: Leadership

Goal: Our local government is open, accountable, and representative.

Strategy: Provide open and transparent decision-making and undertake the civic duties of Council with professionalism and integrity.

Author: Mikaela Cass, Manager Governance, Risk and Corporate Performance

Authoriser: Anthony McGrath, Director Customer, Corporate Services and Economy

Annexures: Nil

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Note the annual tabling of the Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest Returns by Councillors, Senior Staff and designated persons.

Background

The Code of Conduct requires all Councillors, Senior Staff and designated persons of Parkes Shire Council ("Council") to complete a written return of pecuniary interests by 30 September each year, and submit to Council's General Manager, who must then table such returns at an Ordinary Meeting of the Council. With this process having been completed for the current year; this report recommends that Council formally note the annual tabling of the Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest Returns by Councillors, Senior Staff, and designated persons.

At its Ordinary Meeting held 19 July 2022, Council resolved to adopt its current Code of Conduct (“the Code”) [res. 22-238]. Part 4 of the Code requires all Councillors and designated persons to complete and submit a written return of pecuniary interests to the General Manager by 30 September each year. Under the Code, “designated persons” include:

a) the General Manager;

b) other Senior Staff of the Council for the purposes of section 332 of the Act;

c) a person (other than a member of the senior staff of the Council) who is a member of staff of the Council or a delegate of the Council and who holds a position identified by the Council as the position of a designated person because it involves the exercise of functions (such as regulatory functions or contractual functions) that, in their exercise, could give rise to a conflict between the person’s duty as a member of staff or delegate and the person’s private interest; and

d) a person (other than a member of the senior staff of the Council) who is a member of a Committee of the Council identified by the Council as a Committee whose members are designated persons because the functions of the Committee involve the exercise of the Council’s functions (such as regulatory functions or contractual functions) that, in their exercise, could give rise to a conflict between the member’s duty as a member of the Committee and the member’s private interest.

The General Manager is required to keep a Register of Pecuniary Interest Returns and to table the returns at the first Council meeting after the last day of lodgement of returns.

ISSUES AND COMMENTARY

As detailed in Tables 1, 2 and 3, below, all Councillors, Senior Staff and designated persons duly completed and lodge their returns within the prescribed period:

Table A: Councillors
Position	Incumbent	Date Lodged
Councillor	Glen Wilson	23 July 2023
Councillor	George Pratt	4 August 2023
Councillor	Ken McGrath	4 August 2023
Councillor (Mayor)	Ken Keith	8 August 2023
Councillor (Deputy Mayor)	Neil Westcott	13 August 2023
Councillor	William Jayet	14 August 2023
Councillor	Marg Applebee	28 August 2023
Councillor	Daniel Weber	5 September 2023
Councillor	Louise O'Leary	10 September 2023
Councillor	Jacob Cass	15 September 2023

Table B: Senior Staff
Position	Incumbent	Date Lodged
Director Planning and Community Services	Brendan Hayes	31 July 2023
Director Operations	Ben Howard	9 August 2023
Director Infrastructure and Major Projects	Andrew Francis	9 August 2023
General Manager	Kent Boyd	10 August 2023

Table C: Members of Council's Audit Risk and Improvement Committee
Position	Incumbent	Date Lodged
Chair	Stephen Horne	4 August 2023
Independent Member	Tony Harb	4 August 2023
Independent Member	Dr Meredith Caelli	7 August 2023

Legislative and Policy Context

As detailed Councillors, Senior Staff and those staff and Committee members occupying positions that have been formally identified as designated persons are legally required under the Code to complete an annual written return of pecuniary interests and to disclose certain pecuniary interests to the General Manager.

The Register of Pecuniary Interest Returns is categorised as open access information for the purposes of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and Government Information (Public Access) Regulation 2018 and is available for inspection from Council’s website at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au and in person at Council’s Administration and Customer Service Centre at 2 Cecile Street, Parkes.

Consistent with the Office of Local Government’s Circular 19/21 – Release of IPC Guideline 1 Returns of Interests, the signatures and residential addresses of all Councillors, Senior Staff and designated persons will be redacted prior to publication.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications for Council associated with this report.

Risk Implications

The adoption of this report and subsequent display on Council's web site will ensure compliance with Council's Code of Conduct, and the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and Government Information (Public Access) Regulation 2018.

Community Consultation

There are no community consultation requirements for Council associated with this Report. However, The Register of Pecuniary Interest Returns is categorised as open access information and will be placed on to Council's web site.

Conclusion

That the annual tabling of the Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest Returns by Councillors, Senior Staff and designated persons be noted, and the forms placed on the Council website.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

19 September 2023

12.11 Public Holidays for Parkes Shire District Shows 2024 and 2025

IP&R Linkage: Pillar: Community

Goal: Our community is creative, proud and has a strong sense of belonging.

Strategy: Encourage, support and recognise volunteerism and community participation.

Author: Mikaela Cass, Manager Governance, Risk and Corporate Performance

Authoriser: Anthony McGrath, Director Customer, Corporate Services and Economy

Annexures: Nil

Recommendation

That Council

1. Make application to the NSW Government Treasury Department of Industrial Relations for the gazettal of public holidays and half holidays for the Shows in the Parkes District for 2024 and 2025 as requested by the various P A & H Associations with the respective times and boundaries defined as follows

Trundle

Public Holiday from 9.00am - 5.00pm Wednesday 14 August 2024 and Wednesday 13 August 2025 to be declared for Suburb of Trundle along with neighbouring Suburb of Bogan Gate and Suburb Bruie Plains. As per boundaries detailed on the Parkes Shire Council website.

Peak Hill

Public Holiday from 9.00am - 5.00pm Wednesday 21 August 2024 and Wednesday 20 August 2025 to be declared for Suburb of Peak Hill. As per boundaries detailed on the Parkes Shire Council website.

Parkes

Public Holiday from 12 noon - 5.00pm Tuesday 27 August 2024 and Tuesday 26 August 2025 to be declared for Parkes Suburb, Suburb Tichborne, Suburb Nelungaloo, Suburb Gunningbland, Suburb Cooks Myall, Suburb Goonumbla, Suburb Alectown: along with neighbouring part Suburb Mandagery and part Suburb Cookamidgera within the Parkes Local Government Area. As per boundaries detailed on the Parkes Shire Council website.

Background

In July correspondence was received from the NSW Government Treasury outlining the administrative process and providing information guidelines for local Councils to apply to the Minister for Industrial relations for the declaration of any local public holidays and local event days for 2024 and 2025 under the Public Holidays Act 2010.

Councils are invited to submit dates to be observed as public holidays and half holidays within their respective Council area. All local holidays in New South Wales for the forthcoming calendar year are then considered and appointed by the Minister in the one Government Gazette notice. This notice is published in the Government Gazette in December. Confirmation advice of the Minister's approval is forwarded to Council in advance of the Gazette publication date.

Historically, Council has sought the advice of local PA & H Associations for days to be gazetted as local public holidays for their respective show days.

ISSUES AND COMMENTARY

Historically Council has applied on behalf of the respective PA& H Associations, for a full day (9.00am - 5.00pm) public holiday for the second day po the Peak Hill Show and second day of the Trundle Show, and a half day (12 noon to 5.00pm) public holiday for the second day of the Parkes Show. As Councillors are aware the annual Tullamore Show is also on the District Show circuit and is traditionally held on a Saturday.

The PA & H Associations in the Shire have advised of their proposed show dates and holidays requested for 2024 and 2025, as shown in the table below:

2024

2025

Public Holiday requested for

Parkes

Monday 26 August

Tuesday 27 August

Wednesday 28 August

Monday 25 August

Tuesday 26 August

Wednesday 27 August

1/2 day 12 noon - 5.00pm

Tuesday 27 August 2024

1/2 day 12 noon - 5.00pm

Tuesday 26 August 2025

Peak Hill

Tuesday 20 August

Wednesday 21 August

Tuesday 19 August

Wednesday 20 August

Full day 9.00am - 5.00pm

Wednesday 21 August 2024

Full Day 9.00am - 5.00pm

Wednesday 20 August 2025

Trundle

Tuesday 13 August

Wednesday 14 August

Tuesday 12 August

Wednesday 13 August

Full day 9.00am - 5.00pm

Wednesday 14 August 2024

Full Day 9.00am - 5.00pm

Wednesday 13 August 2025

Legislative and Policy Context

The provision and gazettal of public holidays is legislated by NSW Government Public Holidays Act 2010

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications for Council associated with this Report.

Risk Implications

There are no risks foreseen in remaining with the status quo for public holidays proposed on behalf of Shire Show Associations for 2024 and 2025.

Community Consultation

To seek wide public comment on the issue, public notices were placed in the local media and Council's website and Facebook platforms inviting submissions or comment on the granting of a public holiday for the Shire's Show days. Comments were also sought from the Parkes, Peak Hill and Trundle PA & H Associations, the Parkes Chamber of Commerce (who were then asked to distribute the invitation to comment throughout their business network), Peak Hill Community Consultative Committee, Trundle & District Progress Association. Individual emails were also forwarded to all local bank branches, all local schools and retailers and businesses within the Shire, inviting their submissions or comments. A survey created by Council's marketing team, was also available at Council's stand at the respective 2023 Shows.

Maps of the boundaries of each Town area were also placed on Council's website for easier referencing.

Thirteen responses were received - 12 indicated they supported the respective public holiday applications while 1 indicated a negative response.

Comments made at the 2023 Annual Parkes Show include:

· "Great idea, it keeps the Show going for future kids."

· "Absolutely love it, I remember being in school - the absolute highlight of the year!"

· "Yes, great for all"

· "Should be full day."

· "Current half day is adequate"

· "Wish it was full day!"

Some of the other comments received are reproduced below for the information of Council.

Comments Supporting the Show Holidays

St. Joseph's Parish School - Peak Hill

"We strongly support the application for the Peak Hill Show gazetted public holiday. This is a very important social event for this small town and something the families look forward to.

With thanks,

Regina Goodridge"
Principal, St. Joseph's Parish School - Peak Hill

Trundle Central School

"Trundle show continues to be one of the great cultural institutions for the town and district. Like many things in rural areas the show struggles for viability. However, as Principal of the public school I believe the public holiday needs to continue for these reasons:

• Most students at Trundle Central School enter some art, craft or other items into the show.

• The show is a source of temporary employment and areas of responsibility are given to students.

• It is a chance for farmers to meet for a chat in the current emerging drought and low commodity price environment. This is positive for mental health.
• many things have been taken away from country kids. If the public holiday is removed the viability of the show will be even more questionable.

Regards
John Southon"
Principal, Trundle Central School

St. Patrick’s Parish School Trundle

"We are fully supportive of the Local Public Holiday or alternatively the declaration of a Local Event Day for the Trundle Show. The Trundle Show is one of the largest community events in the region and is much loved by the Trundle community.

All of our students attend the show with their families. They all compete in a variety of sections at the show, such as Pony Club events, produce, photography, craft, art, cooking and flower arranging. Many of the students also act as Junior Stewards at the livestock displays.

All our students compete in the School Section competitions at the Show. We have a school display at the show. All staff attend the show to be present as a ‘face’ of the school.

Local businesses, schools and residents look forward to this event .The show promotes the development of pastoral, agricultural, horticultural and industrial interests in Trundle and attracts large crowds of people annually which is also an economic benefit to the Trundle district.

The Trundle Show has always prided itself on showcasing and promoting local talent. Local entertainers, schools, and community groups contribute to the annual event.

The Trundle show is an opportunity for locals to gather together to celebrate the amazing talents of the district. Significant events such as the Trundle Show help promote connections and develop relationships within the community which enhances the wellbeing of the local and surrounding district community members.

Yours sincerely,

Jude Ryan"

Principal, St. Patrick's Parish School

Holy Family Parish School

"To Whom It May Concern:

I support the continuation of a ½ Day Show Holiday from 12 noon - 5.00pm for the Parkes Parish Group.

This allows our local community to support our local show.

Students can still attend school for half a day before having the opportunity to join with community members at our show.

Kind regards"

Denise Gersbach

Principal, Holy Family Parish School

"As a resident of the Parkes Shire and having been associated with the Parkes Show for 67 years, I wish to make comment on the notice published in the Champion Post 24/8 regarding; dates for the Parkes Show 1/2 day holiday for 2024-25. I am a past president from 1981-82 and past secretary of 20 years 1984-2004 and currently a patron and still involved with the show.

The Parkes Show has been run by a voluntary Committee for 142 years. It allows local businesses to showcase their goods and sell them to local primary producers and visitors to the show.

It is also a valuable opportunity for the Community to network, Parkes, Tullamore, Trundle, and Peak Hill.

The future of local Shows is dependent on a ½ day holiday. Without a ½ day holiday for schools the children of this town and others would miss out on a valuable lesson in agriculture in the raw e.g. Fowls, Ducks, Sheep, Wool, Cattle, Horses, Rabbits, Shearing Sheep, Working Dogs.

The Show Society conducts a Junior Judging Competition where future judges for all shows benefit. All district Shows need the support of the Council for these ½ days or they will not survive.

I hope my comments are looked at in a favourable way.

Peter McIntyre"

Dear Parkes Shire Council,

The Parkes P.A & H Association would like to see the continuation of a 1/2 day public holiday on the Tuesday of the Parkes Show for 2024 and 2025.

The committee feels it is a major advantage for the community to have the holiday from work and school to be able to enjoy the Show in its full capacity. A lot of hard work goes into organising and booking entertainment for all attendees to enjoy and it is of a benefit to be able to enjoy them in the afternoon winter weather.

It is great to see the community support this local event. They utilise the 1/2 day holiday to attend the Show, enjoy looking through the pavilion at their entries, watching the entertainment and horse events, and of course visiting sideshow alley during the daytime.

The Association would like to see the support of Parkes Shire Council in ensuring this Public Holiday continues to guarantee the longevity of the Parkes Show.

Yours Sincerely

Cynara Jones

President

Comments not Supporting the Show Holidays

"Thank you for the opportunity to provide some feedback regarding the annual ½ day show public holiday.

From a business perspective such as Western Road Liners it is a total inconvenience, totally irrelevant in today's setting plus the financial impact is significant considering penalty rates required to be paid to drivers.

Notes:

1. WRL operate many school services including those to Red Bend Catholic College Forbes

2. WRL operate not just in Parkes but also provide many long-distance charters and as such still are required to provide administration and maintenance facilities

As a result of the above plus many other reasons WRL strongly object to this ridiculous idea of continuing with the ½ day show day for Parkes. Any questions on the above please let me know.

Regards

Chris McQuie"

Western Road Liners P/L

Conclusion

This report details the requests received from the Parkes, Trundle and Peak Hill Show Societies for public holidays within the Parkes Shire, considers the feedback received from the community engagement process and then recommends that Council maintain the existing arrangements for the show holidays.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

19 September 2023

15 Reports of the Director Planning and Community Services

15.1 August 2023 Building Statistics Report

IP&R Linkage: Pillar: Environment

Goal: Our built environment is functional, sustainable and meets the needs of our growing community.

Strategy: Manage our built environment in line with the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and relevant legislation.

Author: Nerida Brown, Development Certificates Coordinator

Authoriser: Brendan Hayes, Director Planning and Community Services

Annexures: A. Activation Precinct Certificate Determinations as at 31 August 2023 ⇩

B. Development Activity Report August 2023 ⇩

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Receive and note the August 2023 Building Statistics Report.

Background

The Building Statistics Report is furnished to Council on a monthly basis and provides a snapshot of development activity in the Shire during that period.

ISSUES AND COMMENTARY

During the month of August 2023 there were five (5) Development Applications received totalling $2,141,737.00 and fifteen (15) consents were issued. Three (3) Council Certifier Complying Developments and one (1) Private Certifier Complying Development Certificate totalling $1,348,625.00 were received. One (1) Council Certifier consent and one (1) Private Certifier consent were issued.

The figures shown Table 1 below are for Development Applications received during August 2023 with respect to the specified building types and a comparison to the August 2022 figures.

Table 1: Development Applications
Development Category	August 2023		August 2022
Development Category	No.	Estimated Value	No.	Estimated Value
Commercial			3	$6,659,362.00
Community Facilities
Industrial
Infrastructure
Tourist Development			1	$5,000.00
Single Dwelling-house	2	$912,802.00	2	$1,592,250.00
Residential Alterations and Additions inc ancillary / outbuildings			8	$198,737.00
Residential Other
Multi-Residential	1	$602,290.00
Seniors Living
Subdivision only			2	$10,000.00
Secondary Dwelling	1	$606,562.00
Other inc. demolition, earthworks, advertising structure	1	$20,083.00
Mixed Development
Totals	5	$2,141,737.00	16	$8,465,349.00
FYTD Totals	18	$10,471,232.56	31	$10,868,500.82

Table 2, below, lists the Development Consents that were issued in the month of August 2023.

Table 2: Development Consents
Application No.	Address	Description
DA2022/0068	31-43 Saleyards Road, PARKES	Mixed Use Development (Depot and Vehicle Sales or Hire Premises)
DA2022/0138	Hospital & Nursing Home, Hinkler Street, TULLAMORE	Secondary Dwelling - Residence and Garage and Demolition of Existing Shed
DA2023/0016	Mordialloc, 465 Bruie Plains Road,	Extractive Industry (Quarry)
DA2023/0017	Foothills, Foothills Lane, BOGAN GATE	Extractive Industry (Quarry)
DA2023/0018	Benambra, 5808 Henry Parkes Way, YARRABANDAI	Extractive Industry (Quarry)
DA2023/0019	Boundary Road, PEAK HILL	Extractive Industry (Quarry)
DA2023/0028	Catchment Area - Lake Endeavour Dam, Lake Endeavour Road, PARKES	Temporary Use - 2023 Australian Rogaining Championships (Start & Finish, Camping, Administration and Marquees)
DA2023/0037	Parkes Road, BOGAN GATE	Alterations & Additions to Existing Agricultural Facility - New Silos & Loading Equipment
DA2023/0053	2-14 Clarinda Street, PARKES N	Subdivision (2 Lots)
DA2023/0062	97 Hill Street, PARKES	Outbuilding - Sheds (x 2)
DA2023/0068	Peacewood, 8965 Henry Parkes Way, PARKES	Outbuilding - Shed
DA2023/0073	11 Yuwambi Close, PARKES	Outbuilding - Shed
DA2023/0074	36 Webb Street, PARKES	Demolition of Swimming Pool
DA2023/0075	41 Flinders Street, PARKES	Outbuilding - Shed
DA2023/0084	Oakvale, 3289 Back Peak Hill Road, PEAK HILL	Demolition of Existing Dwelling

The figures shown in Table 3, below, are for Complying Development Certificates received during August 2023 with respect to the specified building types and a comparison to the August 2022 figures.

Table 3: Complying Development Certificates
Development Category	August 2023		August 2022
Development Category	No.	Estimated Value	No.	Estimated Value
Commercial	-	-	-	-
Community Facilities	-	-	-	-
Industrial	-	-	-	-
Infrastructure	-	-	-	-
Tourist Development	-	-	-	-
Single Dwelling-house	1	$354,625.00	5	$1,905,510.00
Residential Alterations and Additions inc. ancillary/outbuildings	1	$40,000.00	-	-
Residential Other	-	--	-	-
Multi-Residential	-	-	-	-
Seniors Living	-	-	-	-
Subdivision	-	-	-	-
Secondary Dwelling	-	-	.	-
Other inc. demolition, earthworks, advertising structures	2	$954,000.00	-	-
Totals	4	$1,348,625.00	5	$1,905,510.00
FYTD Totals	8	$2,560,490.00	6	$2,345,085.00

Table 4, below, provides a list of Complying Development Certificates which were issued in the month of August 2023.

Table 4: Complying Development Certificates
Application No.	Address	Description	Certifying Authority
CDC2023/0010	Beenup, 142 Heraghty Road, PARKES	Alterations & Additions to Dwelling - Extension of Bedroom & Ensuite	Council
CDC2023/0027	23 Acacia Circuit, PARKES	Dwelling - House	Private Certifier

DA Processing Times for Approvals

The information shown in the pie chart below is Development Application approvals issued for the period 1 August 2023 to 31 August 2023. It should be noted that a total of Fifteen (15) Development Applications have been approved with an average of 83.98 days.

The average timeframe in which the internal referrals Executive Manager Technical Services and/or Executive Manager Water Engineering were completed was 116.46 days.

Activation Precinct Certificate Determinations

There are two (2) new activation Precinct Certificate determinations. See Attachment A for updated determination listing.

Legislative and Policy Context

There are no legislative or policy considerations for Council associated with this report.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications for Council associated with this report.

Risk Implications

There are no risk implications for Council associated with this report.

Community Consultation

Where a Development Application or Modification Development Application is required to be publicly exhibited, the application was made available for inspection at the Parkes Shire Council Administration Centre commencing from the date on which the public notice was placed in the local newspaper. The application was also included on the Parkes Shire Council website.

For Development Applications requiring neighbour notification, written notification of the proposed development was provided to the owner(s) of land immediately adjoining or adjacent to the subject land (as shown on Council’s Property and Rating System at the time of notification) including land that is separated from the subject land by a watercourse, road, pathway, driveway, railway or similar thoroughfare.

Where more than one person is listed as the owner, written notification to one of the owners, is taken to be a notice to all of the registered owners.

Conclusion

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

19 September 2023

15.2 Modification to DA2023/0013 Lot 728 DP 865225 and Lot 201 DP 750179 Nash Street, Parkes

IP&R Linkage: Pillar: Environment

Goal: Our built environment is functional, sustainable and meets the needs of our growing community.

Strategy: Manage our built environment in line with the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and relevant legislation.

Author: Brendan Hayes, Director Planning and Community Services

Authoriser: Brendan Hayes, Director Planning and Community Services

Annexures: A. DA 2023/0013 Engineering Assessment ⇩

B. Mod DA 2023/0013 Assessment Report ⇩

C. DA 2022/0016 Notice of Determination ⇩

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Approve Modified Development Application 2023/0013 subject to all previous conditions with the following amendments.

2. Delete Condition No. 12

3. Delete Condition No. 13 and replace with:

13. During construction, the applicant shall provide a construction access that will be located at the proposed Lot 1 frontage due to the boundary adjustment, between the boundary and the edge of bitumen of the Council road, at the nominated location of the proposed access. The access shall be constructed to the following Parkes Shire Council minimum standard:

• A 150mm gravel layer shall be placed, compacted and appropriately shaped to continue the invert of any table drain, or in the absence of a formalised table drain, continuation of the grade of the verge

• The formed-up section shall incorporate appropriate ballast up to the existing bitumen seal of the Council road and extend to the lot boundary

The work must be completed prior to the issue of a Subdivision Certificate.

4. Delete Condition No. 17

5. Delete Condition No. 19

Background

The original application was approved for a boundary adjustment to excise a portion of Lot 728 DP 865225 and add this to Lot 201 DP 750179.This led to the creation of two lots - Lot 2 (former Parkes Shire Council Effluent Treatment Plant) being 2.146 hectares and Lot 1 being 1.009 hectares.

The development will reflect the lot sizes and patterns of developments in the surrounding locality, with proposed Lot 1 to be 1.009 hectares and proposed Lot 2 to be 2.146 hectares. The proposed modification has not resulted in any additional dwelling entitlements or lots to the number approved under the parent consent.

The proposed boundary adjustment complies with the minimum frontage and site area requirements of 40 metres and 1 hectare respectively. The site is located within proximity to public open spaces, educational facilities and employment opportunities.

The proposed modification seeks to amend the approval with the access arrangements altered to a construction access, deletion of easement requirements and building envelope requirements.

Modification Application No: ModDA2023/0013

Development Application No: DA2022/0016

Approval Date: 19 April 2022

Description of Development: S4.55(2) - Amendment to approved subdivision (boundary adjustment)

Applicant: G Simpson, K M Ostini

Landowner(s): K L Bush, J F Kennedy, Parkes Shire Council

Property Description:

Legal Description: Lot 728 DP 865225 & Lot 201 DP 750179, Nash Street, Parkes

Existing Improvements: Nil

Current land-use: R5 Large Lot Residential

A map of a river

Description automatically generated

ISSUES AND COMMENTARY

The proposed modification seeks to amend the approved access arrangements which required formal sealed access under Development Consent DA2022/0016. The modification will not require the removal of any additional vegetation and will not lead to an increase in dust, stormwater, odour, or vibration emissions that would impact on the natural or built environment.

The applicant has proposed a building construction access consistent with those placed on construction sites with final access and crossing provided to Councils requirements prior to the occupation of the dwelling proposed on the site.

To protect an existing overland flow channel on Lot 728 DP 865225, an easement over the overland stormwater flow path along the northern boundary of proposed Lot 1, for the purpose to drain water was proposed however the channel has been removed with overland stormwater controlled through earthworks to the north of the site.

In addition, Council applied a further condition requiring a building envelope to be provided as concerns were raised regarding any future dwelling and its location in relation to overhead power lines and previously mentioned stormwater channel.

It is noted.

1. Delete the provision of property access to proposed Lot 2 as an upgraded internal road has been provided utilising an existing access from Nash Street sighted to the north of the development site.

Condition 12

2. That the provisions of a construction access is supported as any formal access placed would likely to be damaged in the future construction process. The requirement for sealed driveway will be applied to any future dwelling development application and required prior to occupation.

Condition 13

3. Deletion of provision of a Building Envelope as restrictions on the site have been addressed. Condition 17

4. Deletion of the requirements for Easement for stormwater as it is no longer require. Condition 19

Legislative and Policy Context

All appropriate legislation addressed in report.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications for Council associated with this report.

Risk Implications

Community Consultation

Due to the minor nature of the modifications no further notification is required.

Conclusion

The proposed Modification to the existing consent is generally considered the same development and is consistent with the objectives of the zone. The alteration of the access condition is considered appropriate while the requirement for restrictions on title is now redundant.

It is recommended that Modification DA2023/0013 be approved.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

19 September 2023

15.3 DA2023/0070 - Subdivision (32 Lots) former Parkes Hospital, 18 Coleman Road, Parkes (Lots 163 and 133 DP 750152)

IP&R Linkage: Pillar: Environment

Goal: Our built environment is functional, sustainable and meets the needs of our growing community.

Strategy: Manage our built environment in line with the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and relevant legislation.

Author: Brendan Hayes, Director Planning and Community Services

Authoriser: Brendan Hayes, Director Planning and Community Services

Annexures: A. DA 2023/0070 Lodged Plan Set ⇩

B. DA2023/0070 Engineering Assessment ⇩

C. DA 2023/0070 Development Assessment Report ⇩

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Determine to approve DA 2023/0070 subject to the conditions contained in the attached development assessment report.

Background

Applicant: Parkes Shire Council

Owner: Parkes Shire Council

Proposal: Subdivision (2 Lots to 32 Lots), Earthworks and Retaining Walls

Location: Lots 133 and 163 DP 750152, 18 Coleman Road, Parkes

The site of the proposed development is formally described as Lots 133 and 163 DP 750152, 18 Coleman Road, Parkes.

The site is located within the Parkes urban area and has an approximate area of 4.4 hectares. The subject land contained the former Parkes Hospital and associated community health buildings. The former Parkes Hospital was demolished in 2016. The community health buildings were retained on the land and were subsequently converted to a child-care facility and community facility.

The subject land is zoned R1 General Residential and has a minimum allotment size of 600m² in accordance with the Parkes Shire Local Environmental Plan 2012. Land in the surrounding locality is similarly zoned R1 General Residential and has a minimum allotment size of 600m². Adjoining allotments predominantly contain single storey or split-level detached dwelling-houses with ancillary outbuildings.

The land has frontage to Rose Street, Coleman Road and Ainsworth Street which are public urban roads constructed to a sealed standard with formed kerb and gutter. The site is connected to Parkes Shire Council's reticulated water supply and sewerage management systems. Overhead electricity and telecommunications are available and connected to the land.

Development Application No. DA2023/0070 was lodged on 11 July 2023 for a thirty-two (32) lot subdivision of the former Parkes Hospital Site, Lots 133 and 163 DP 750152, 18 Coleman Road, Parkes.

A key element of the proposed development is the undertaking of all bulk earthworks at the subdivision construction stage. At the completion of the subdivision each allotment will have positive fall to an adjacent street frontage, with shared boundary retaining walls to be constructed during the subdivision works phase of the proposal.

A comprehensive analysis of the subdivision has been undertaken in relation to servicing, allotment layout and configuration, stormwater management and urban design.

ISSUES AND COMMENTARY

Development Application No. DA2023/0070 was lodged on 11 July 2023 for a thirty-two (32) lot subdivision of the former Parkes Hospital Site, Lots 133 and 163 DP 750152, 18 Coleman Road, Parkes.

The key elements of the proposed subdivision include:

· Creation of thirty-two (32) new residential allotments.

· Excision of the existing Community Facility and Child Care Facility from the proposed residential allotments.

· Bulk earthworks including the construction of shared boundary retaining walls.

· Construction of two (2) new roads.

· Connection of each allotment to reticulated water and sewerage, telecommunications and vehicular access.

· Each allotment will be graded to convey overland stormwater drainage to an adjacent road reserve.

· Creation of an onsite detention basin.

A comprehensive analysis of the subdivision has been undertaken in relation to servicing, allotment layout and configuration, stormwater management and urban design.

Each allotment will comply with the minimum allotment size requirements of the Parkes Local Environmental Plan 2012 and the proposal complies with the development standards for residential subdivisions as detailed in Part B.2 Residential Subdivision Controls of the Parkes Shire Development Control Plan 2021.

Bulk earthworks will be undertaken during the construction phase of the subdivision. Each allotment will have positive fall to an adjacent street frontage enabling all overland stormwater to drain to the adjoining kerb and gutter, removing the requirement for inter-allotment drainage systems. To create allotments with positive fall shared boundary retaining walls will be constructed. The shared boundary walls will be of a high aesthetic quality, constructed from reinforced concrete, masonry or a similar material with textured finishes.

Urban design measures such as fencing standards, consistent street tree plantings, appropriate access locations and design of the onsite detention basin will be incorporated to ensure the subdivision is completed to a high standard and creates attractive, affordable, well located and market-responsive residential land.

Legislative and Policy Context

All appropriate and required legislation have been taken into account in the assessment of the application.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications for Council associated with this report.

Risk Implications

Community Consultation

DA 2023/0070 was publicly advertised for 28 days and appropriate adjoining neighbours notified. Council received no submissions.

Conclusion

The assessment of the development proposal concludes the development is consistent with the adjoining residential development in the locality and there are no constraints on the site or posed by adjacent developments. The assessment has been carried out by an external consultant to provide an appropriate level of transparency and probity.

The proposed development is consistent with all relevant State Environmental Planning Polices, the Parkes Local Environmental Plan 2012 and the Parkes Shire Development Control Plan 2021. The proposal will not result in any adverse environmental, social or economic impacts in the locality.

It is considered the proposed development will have positive outcomes for the Parkes Shire, providing employment throughout construction works and creating attractive, affordable, well located and market-responsive residential land. It is recommended that the application be approved.

Wiradjuri language	English translation
Badhu yinganha yindyamarra-gu Wiradjuri mayiny bu Wiradjuri manhang	I give respect to Wiradjuri people and Wiradjuri soil.
Badhu gulbarra ngali Yama Wiradjuri ngurambang bu ngali garrariwibarra gu marambir Niiringal	I understand we are on Wiradjuri country and can work together to a better tomorrow.
Mandaang guwu	Thank you.

Committee	Purpose
Standing	Established under Clause 20.3 of the Model Code of Meeting Practice, comprising the Mayor and Councillors, for a specific purpose. Such committees are comprised entirely of Councillors.
Statutory	Established to achieve compliance with Council's legislative obligations under an Act of Parliament (e.g., Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee; Local Traffic Committee). Such committees may comprise Councillors, as well as community representatives and other stakeholders, depending on the applicable legislation.
Advisory	Established to provide specialist advice to Council with respect to opportunities and challenges pertaining to a certain issue or oversee the implementation of a strategy or major plan of Council. Such committees may include community representatives, Councillors and/or members of Council staff.
Section 355	Established under section 355 of the Act to exercise a function of the Council (e.g., management of a Council facility or service). Such committees may include community representatives, Councillors and/or members of Council staff.